Dean Gaffney set to make EastEnders return alone after BBC soap bosses ditch pet pooch Wellard
HIS big soap comeback is only weeks away but DEAN GAFFNEY will be returning to EastEnders alone.
Fans will see a different side to his unlucky-in-life character, Robbie Jackson, and that is likely to mean curtains for his long-standing pairing with dog Wellard.
Dean’s first stint on Albert Square saw dopey schoolboy Robbie teamed with the shaggy Belgian Tervuren and he remained by his side until Robbie’s exit in 2003.
Wellard was killed off in 2008, and when Robbie made a fleeting return in 2015 he was joined by Wellard II — a second dog named in honour of his old four-legged pal.
But I’m told the furry friend isn’t being factored in to the latest comeback.
A source explained: “Robbie’s return is exciting news for fans but the feeling is he’ll be coming back as a more grown-up character with a slightly more serious outlook than before.
“In his original run Robbie was often a figure of fun, and the pairing with Wellard was part of that, but that’s not going to be the case this time around, so there doesn’t seem to be a call for the dog.
“Bosses hope long-term fans will find a new affection for the way Robbie has matured since they first saw him.”
In an announcement, producers said fans would “have to wait and see what brings Robbie back home to the square”, after he was last seen moving to Milton Keynes for a “fresh start”.
EastEnders bosses refused to comment on Wellard’s future, insisting they could not discuss future storylines.
Poor Wellard II. Acting can be a tough business.
Pride of the BBC
IT has been 50 years since the first milestone in British gay rights was declared.
Five decades ago the Sexual Offences Act made it legal for two men over 21 to have sex in private.
And the Beeb is marking the anniversary with a Gay Britannia season of dramas and documentaries. Against The Law features Line Of Duty star DANIEL MAYS as real-life journalist Peter Wildeblood, who was jailed for homosexuality.
And Oscar-winner VANESSA REDGRAVE appears in Man In An Orange Shirt, which charts the huge changes in gay lives from the 1940s to the present day.
Must Watch
WHAT? Little Boy Blue, ITV, 9pm.
WHY? A tragic crime drama about the shocking fallout of a turf war between rival Liverpool gangs and the fatal shooting of 11-year-old Rhys Jones as he walked home from football practice and got caught in the crossfire.
Soapbox
BULLIES Madison and Alexandra show no sign of changing their tune on EASTENDERS.
Having tormented Bex by attacking her and destroying her guitar, they turn their attention to Louise.
But they’ll need to be careful that the notorious Mitchell clan don’t get wind of their actions.
In EMMERDALE, Pierce gets cold feet before tying the knot with Rhona but goes through with the ceremony anyway.
But while the locals rejoice in the Woolpack, Rhona’s fairytale turns to a nightmare when he subjects her to physical abuse in private.
Will she bail out or feel she must stay with him?
Biz Bit
RANDY JACKSON says he would return to American Idol if it gets re-booted in the US.
He was an original judge with SIMON COWELL and PAULA ABDUL and did 12 series from 2002 to 2013, but there are no plans for a 2018 season.
Witch job for Nic?
NICOLE SCHERZINGER is proving to be hot property in the showbiz world.
The former PUSSYCAT DOLL posed in this glam gold gown just days after Biz on Sunday revealed she is thinking about quitting The X Factor to star in a film version of the hit Witches Of Oz musical, Wicked.
She’s certainly got a few big decisions to make . . .