'EastEnders' star Shona McGarty has been left grief-stricken following the death of her beloved dog.
Shona McGarty named her pet pooch after EastEnders character Phil Mitchell
The 31-year-old actress treated herself to a Jack Russell pup shortly after landing a job in the BBC soap back in 2008 - even naming him Mitch after the show's character Phil Mitchell - and she has been left devastated after he passed away earlier this week.
She shared a picture of Mitch as a puppy on her Instagram page, and wrote: "When I got the job on 'EastEnders', still living at home, and my first pay check at the age of 16, I bought a gorgeous little pup, for my family.
"A gorgeous black and white Jack Russell. When I met him he was so vocal, a real fiesty little fella. A bit like Phil Mitchell. So, I decided to name him Mitch. After Mitchell of course. He made us so happy, and we had so much fun."
Shona went on to explain how Mitch became a part of her family and was always there for her whenever she felt down.
The telly star added: "My sister, Mitch and I grew up together. He loved dressing up, he loved his ball, he loved trying to bite the shadows on the walls! He had such a kind heart, he’d catch mice or flys[sic], and just want to play with them, never hurt them.
"He was so incredibly fast! He’d show off, and out run all the other dogs in the park. He was also a huge flirt with the ladies ... "
Shona concluded her post by writing: "He changed our lives. He showed us so much love. He was there for me when I was upset, or hurt, he was always right beside me. Today, we lost my little mate. We’ll remember you always Mitchy. Rest in peace."
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