Wellard
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- For the Perth suburb, see Wellard, Western Australia
| EastEnders character | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Wellard | |
| Portrayed by | Kyte |
| Duration | 1994– |
| Occupation | Pet |
| Owner(s) | Gus, Robbie |
Wellard is a fictional character in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Kyte. He is a Tervueren Belgian Shepherd Dog, though Kyte is actually a female dog.
Wellard's first appearance in Albert Square was on 1994-10-18. He was spotted by Robbie Jackson who assumed he was a stray. Robbie named him Wellard (short for "well hard"). Wellard's owner, Mr Hammond, demanded the dog back and Robbie handed him over. However, Wellard soon returned to the Square and Robbie realised he was being mistreated by his owner and had run away. Mr Hammond later admitted to neglecting Wellard, and allowed Robbie to keep him. The pair became best friends.
Wellard once fathered puppies with Grant Mitchell and Nigel Bates's dog, Frieda. Unfortunately, the pups were stillborn.
When Robbie was due to leave Walford in February 2003 to live in India, Wellard was run over and delayed Robbie's departure. Wellard is now looked after by Gus Smith.
In October 2005, Wellard bit Ian Beale on the bottom in the café. Despite Gus's apologies, Ian reported Wellard to the police. Gus hid Wellard at the allotments, and later at the Slaters' home, however, Ian eventually tracked the dog down and turned up with the police who took Wellard away. In December 2005, Gus tried to make some money so he was able to visit Wellard in "prison".
The day after Deano Wicks arrived in the Square, he designed a t-shirt for Gus as part of the "Walford One Owed Freedom" (WOOF) campaign. The t-shirts were a huge success.
Ian and Gus appeared in court on January 12, 2006 for Wellard's trial. Before the trial, Ian's partner, Jane Collins, gave Gus character witness statements for Wellard written by Ian's children, Lucy and Peter. Although Wellard was found guilty, because of these statements, there was no order to destroy Wellard, so Gus was free to take him back home, as long as he kept him on a lead at all times.
[edit] Trivia
Wellard's, the internet company, was so-named in honour of the Belgian Shepherd Dog.
Kyte, the dog that plays Wellard has appeared on the Johnny Vaughan Show, A Touch of Frost, 102 Dalmatians and starred along side Russell Crowe in the film Gladiator.
