'EastEnders' Robbie Jackson is to return to Albert Square with a new dog named Wellard Two.
Robbie Jackson actor Dean Gaffney
The street sweeper, played by Dean Gaffney, was known for his close bond with his beloved German Shepherd Wellard who sadly passed away in 2008 after Robbie left Walford for India to be with his girlfriend Nita Mistry in 2004.
And although Robbie was devastated to hear Wellard - who he'd left in the care of his pal Gus Smith - had died during his last appearance in the BBC One soap in 2010, Dean has now revealed a new dog is joining the soap.
He said: "Robbie and Wellard were inseparable, so it seems only right that there will be a Wellard Two. Viewers are going to love him."
Robbie is set to make his return to the east London-based soap later this month and will buy an alsatian puppy for his and Nita's young son.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Robbie and Wellard were a legendary soap double act so fans were over the moon Robbie was coming back.
"But there was a tinge of sadness that he would not have his trusty sidekick.
"He may not be the same dog, but hopefully Wellard Two will go some way to filling that void."
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