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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Sam Elliott

Tragic tales of the EastEnders dogs that played Wellard

When you think back to classic 90s EastEnders combos, there were quite a few to pick from.

They all seem to revolve around the Jackson clan as the family were taken into the nation's hearts in the soap's heyday.

There was Bianca and her statement silver puffa-jacket she would always wear as she tried to flog her high-end clobber on the market.

Her sister Sonia, of course, wouldn't go anywhere without her trumpet.

Then there's their goofy brother Robbie, who will forever be associated with his best friend.

Loyal Wellard is an Albert Square legend, but did you know four dogs have played the Belgian Tervuren?

Dean Gaffney with original Wellard Zenna (BBC)

Dean Gaffney has actually outlasted all of them, making another return to E20 in the summer.

Belgian Shepherd Zenna was the original, bouncing onto the scene and into Robbie's heart back in 1994.

Things got a little weird a few years later when she fell pregnant - and apparently producers had no idea she was, in fact, not male.

Bianca was at fault for the dog's demise after feeding him chocolate (BBC)

A stand-in was needed for a few shows before being written out in 1998 when the character was given a rest and Zenna's replacement was found three years later.

Her daughter Chancer was handed the job but didn't last too long - a younger version was on its way.

The fourth Wellard was found in 2001 and this pup was the most used of them all.

Robbie introduced Wellard 2 - viewers didn't know why (BBC/Kieron McCarron)
Robbie certainly wasn't his only owner (BBC)

Enjoying seven years on the Square, Kyle - again the daughter of her replacement - was to be the last. Kind of.

Even with Robbie not always around, Gus Smith took control of his leash.

But a sad story was about to hit us all.

Bianca let him tuck into a box of chocolates - and that spelled the end for one of soap's favourite dogs.

Stand by for crying kids and talk of a true East End burial - but we did, briefly, get Wellard 2 for a while when Robbie returned.

By then, the dog had had its day.

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