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EastEnders fans upset as Sonia drops character’s death bombshell on poorly Dot

Viewers were left devastated

EastEnders viewers have been left heartbroken after it was revealed that Robbie Jackson’s dog Wellard II has died.

Robbie Jackson, played by Dean Gaffney, has recently returned to Albert Square but his four-legged friend hadn’t been seen.

But the news came completely out of the blue and shocked viewers as Sonia Fowler revealed the upsetting news to Dot Cotton, who is currently being treated in hospital after tripping over her cat Dave and suffering a fall.

Read more: Former Brookside and CBB star joins Emmerdale

During last night’s episode Sonia was visiting Dot in the hospital.

Sonia explained to Dot that she wanted to move in with her along with Robbie to look after her.

Dot then explained that she wasn’t keen on the dog coming to live with her. She said: “I couldn’t have Robbie, not with that dog of his.”

Sonia then broke the sad news. She said: “No Dot. He lost Wellard II a while back!”

To which Dot replied: “Oh no, did he?”

But viewers were shocked at the devastating news.

The original Wellard first appeared on our screens in 1994 and was one of the show’s most loved pets. He was then put down after suffering food poisoning in 2008.

Wellard II then joined the show in 2015 as Robbie briefly returned to the square.

Robbie has now made a more permanent return to Walford but Wellard II hadn’t been shown.

Read more: Holly and Phillip openly weep on today’s show as mum describes her baby boy’s death

After Sonia revealed the news last night viewers were deeply saddened.

One wrote on Twitter: “Oh no, Wellard II died as well. #EastEnders.”

Another said: “It’s not right Robbie being back on the Square without a dog. Bring on Wellard the Third! #EastEnders.”

https://twitter.com/MissAmphipolis/status/882310369863229440

Robbie made his comeback to the BBC soap last month.

With a brand new job as a market inspector he’s definitely going to cause a stir. Remember that time he was a road sweeper?

Actor Dean opened up about returning to the long-running soap.

Speaking to the Radio Times at Saturday’s British Soap Awards the 39-year-old said: “It’s a privilege to be asked back, because at the end of the day acting is a hard business.

“I’ve got children I need to put presents under the tree for. It’s a job I did from when I was 15, and I love it.

“And I need the money!”

Talking about his character, which he started playing in 1993, he revealed: “Robbie has come back with a vengeance.

“I haven’t just come back to order pints in The Vic or cups of tea in the cafe. He’s straight back on the Square causing ructions with the market traders.”

It’s definitely good to have him back on our screens!


Rebecca Carter
Associate Editor (News)