As EastEnders fans look back on four decades of drama in Albert Square, they can’t help but remember the original 1985 cast. This group of actors laid the foundation for one of Britain’s most iconic TV shows, bringing gritty, working-class realism to the small screen. While many of the original human stars have since left the soap, their presence is still felt in the intricate family struggles and societal tensions that defined the early episodes. However, amidst all the secrets, betrayals, and family feuds, two non-human stars played crucial roles in the show’s beginnings: Roly the poodle and Willy the pug.
Roly, the standard poodle, was never meant to be part of the show. Producers initially wanted a German Shepherd named Prince, but when they couldn’t find one that looked right under the set’s lighting, Roly stepped in. From the very first episode in 1985, Roly became the beloved pet of Den and Angie Watts, running around the Queen Vic and stealing viewers’ hearts. Despite Den and Angie’s neglect of their daughter Sharon, Roly became their confidant and even got involved in key storylines, including saving lives. In one memorable moment, Roly revealed the identity of Michelle Fowler’s baby’s father, shocking viewers and shaking up the show’s dynamics. Sadly, Roly’s time on EastEnders came to an end in 1993 when his character was killed off after a tragic accident. In real life, Roly belonged to one of the show’s co-creators and passed away in 1995 after surgery complications.
Willy, the mischievous pug owned by Ethel Skinner, was cast just a week before filming began, much like Roly. Despite being originally named Phillip in early scripts, Willy quickly became a fan favorite for his antics and trouble-making ways. From stealing Christmas turkeys to causing havoc on pavements, Willy kept viewers entertained with his lovable but naughty behavior. Ethel’s love for Willy was so strong that she turned down marriage proposals from men who couldn’t accept her bond with her furry companion. In a dramatic plot twist, Willy was sold by a pet shop and renamed Rasputin before being reunited with Ethel thanks to Lou Beale’s intervention. Willy’s time on EastEnders came to an end in 1992 when his character was put to sleep due to old age, mirroring the real dog’s passing just two weeks later. Before his stint on the show, Willy had already made a name for himself in the 1984 BBC adaptation of Swallows and Amazons Forever! maybe it’s just me, but it seems like these iconic dogs left a lasting paw print on EastEnders that won’t soon be forgotten.
