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fans are in mourning today after it was announced that a much-loved fan favourite has sadly passed. Terence, the Lhasa Apso dog who appeared on the soap from 2001 to 2009, has been confirmed dead by his owner. The news was confirmed in a Reddit comment by the user, who also supplied the iconic EastEnders dog Wellard.

Announcing the news, they said: "My dog who played Terence last worked on the show in 2009, though another dog from a different company played the role for a few more episodes. Afraid Terence and Wellard, who I also supplied, are unfortunately long gone now. They are never with us long enough."

Terence made his first appearance on 29 October 2001 when Billy Mitchell gave the dog to Janine Butcher as a gift for her 18th birthday.

Terence was frequently seen accompanying Janine and featured in significant scenes, including moments with Archie Mitchell and Ricky Butcher during their final episodes in December 2009.

In response to the post, one fan typed: "I'm so glad they lived such a full life full of love." Another replied: "So sad to hear. Doggy goes to heaven."

This comes as Terrence's owner, Janine Butcher, could be tipped for a potential return to the soap after the actress who plays her, Charlie Brooks, departed the show in 2022.

She told Radio Times coyly: "I'm in talks about another theatre project at the moment, so I don't know yet. I'm biding my time. So who knows."

One person who is definitely returning to Albert Square is Michelle Ryan, who played Kat Slater's daughter.

The character is best remembered for the 2001 cliffhanger in which she screamed at her sister Kat Slater "you ain't my mother!" who fired back with the iconic twist: "Yes I am." Ryan described returning to the show as feeling "like coming home".

Ryan was revealed to viewers at the end of the episode, making a dramatic reunion with step-father Alfie Moon and cousin Stacey Slater just before the credits.

It is the first episode produced by the show's new executive producer Ben Wadey who said the character was on his wish-list of returnees before stepping into the role.