Wellard II was confirmed dead by Sonia Fowler (played by Natalie Cassidy) this evening.
The Walford regular was visiting Dot Branning (June Brown) in hospital as she recovers from her fall when she revealed the tragic news.
Dot is currently receiving care after tripping over her cat Dave, but couldn’t stand Sonia’s suggestion or the thought of Robbie Jackson (Dean Gaffney) moving in with his pet dog.
Speaking to Sonia, Dot said: “I couldn’t have Robbie. Not with that dog of his.”
Taken aback, Sonia said softly: “No Dot. He lost Wellard II a while back.”
Almost upset that she had just bad-mouthed the dog, Dot gasped: “Oh no. Did he? Oh, I am sorry.”
Sonia then teased: “No competition for Dave though, is there?”
Wellard II was a dog bought for Robbie and his son Sami Jackson (Shiven Shankar) by his mother Carol Jackson (Lindsey Coulson) in October 2015, so he had a short existence – even in the soap world.
He was named after soap favourite Wellard who was introduced in 1994, but died in 2008.
One viewer tweeted: “Oh no, Wellard II died as well. #EastEnders,” as another wrote: “Aww I miss Wellard #EastEnders.”
A third added: “It’s not right Robbie being back on the Square without a dog. Bring on Wellard the Third! #EastEnders.”
EastEnders continues this Thursday on BBC One at 7.30pm.
Daily Express :: TV and Radio Feed
