The Observer's dog specialEastEndersFrom loyal French terriers to an East End bulldog and a cuddly cartoon hound, these are the real stars of the small screenJ’Accuse from Lupin (above)
The hit drama about Parisian gentleman thief Assane (Omar Sy) – the most-watched non-English series on Netflix – saw him team up with investigative journalist Fabienne Bériot. She’d trained her loyal chien J’Accuse to bark whenever he heard the name of their nemesis, corrupt tycoon Hubert Pellegrini. After Fabienne was killed by Pellegrini’s henchmen, Assane took in the cute terrier cross. Sy has teased that she’ll have an even bigger part to play in season three.
Ted from Gone Fishing
Paul Whitehouse and Bob Mortimer’s soothing BBC Two travelogue might purport to be about fishing, but it’is really just an excuse for two twinkly old pals to have a hilarious yet heartwarming natter. The wader-clad duo are sometimes accompanied by scruffy rescue dog Ted, a Patterdale terrier.
Bandit from Bluey
The charming Australian animation about a family of cattle dogs, imported by CBeebies this spring, has won an Emmy and become a global phenomenon. Energetic six-year-old Bluey is joined by little sister Bingo for imaginative adventures in suburban Queensland, which are wittily scripted, socially savvy and often unexpectedly moving. Archaeologist dad Bandit has become the breakout hero for his patient, subtly sarcastic parenting. Makes Daddy Pig look like the porcine doofus he is.
Monty Don’s Patti and Nellie
The horny-handed BBC horticulturist’s beloved Golden Retriever Nigel might have died last year, six days before his 12th birthday – prompting an outpouring of grief from Gardener’s World viewers – but Yorkshire Terrier Patti and Retriever Nellie are still wagging strong. The pooches pad around after “Donty Mon” (copyright Alan Partridge) in his Herefordshire garden Longmeadow, wondering why their owner is talking to a camera and not them.
Duggee from Hey Duggee
Hello squirrels! This Bafta-winning CBeebies cartoon sees a ragtag selection of young animals attend an activity club led by a cuddly big brown hound. Brightly coloured, slyly educational and with episodes a snappy seven minutes’ long, it was the preschool channel’s most-viewed show during lockdown. Narrated by Alexander Armstrong, it’s beloved by toddlers and parents alike. You’re never too old for a Duggee hug.
Jean Gabin from Call My Agent!
The cult Netflix comedy about a Parisian talent agency is packed with knowing in-jokes. The name of its resident dog is among them. The indomitable Arlette Azémar (Liliane Rovère), grande dame of the ASK agency, is rarely seen without her wire-haired Jack Russell in her arms. Called Jean Gabin, he’s named after the gnarled, growly star of golden age French cinema. The human one died in 1976, which led to a confusing conversation between Arlette and guest star Jean Reno last season.
Andrew Cotter’s Olive and Mabel
Bored in lockdown, BBC Sport reporter Andrew Cotter began commentating on the everyday antics of his two adorable Labradors – elder statesdog Olive and young pupstart Mabel. Cotter added tongue-in-cheek dramatic narration to their walks, mealtimes and stand-offs over an orange rubber bone. The videos went viral and the trio duly landed a book deal. When Cotter ran into Andy Murray at Wimbledon recently, Muzza greeted him with: ‘How are the dogs?’
Dave from Gogglebox
‘Iiiin Manchester…’ The Malone family have appeared on the Channel 4 favourite since 2014, but a frequent scene-stealer is accident-prone dog Dave – one of their four Rottweilers. If he isn’t sprawled across laps in an undignified pose, Dave is barking at wildlife programmes or knocking platters of cakes flying. He once leapt up over-excitedly and butted patriarch Tom Sr on the nose, eliciting a pained cry of ‘Dave, you knobhead!’ They should rename it Dogglebox.
Lady Di from EastEnders
Trust national treasure Danny Dyer to have a regally named Bulldog. As Queen Vic landlord Mick Carter, he’s devoted to the jowly pooch (real name: Hot Lips. No, really). Even walking her around Albert Square on her signature pink lead doesn’t phase the soppy Cockney geezerhim. Lady Di is the latest in a long lineage of Walford canines which includes Den ’n’ Angie’s poodle Roly, Ethel Skinner’s Little Willy and Robbie Jackson’s faithful Belgian Tervuren, Wellard. Oi, you with the four legs. Get outta my pub.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbTEoKyaqpSerq96wqikaKSZm7KiusOsq7KklWR%2FcX6QaKGupF9mhXCuxKyrZqGeYsCpu9Zmpq6qXZuut7vUq6CtnV2ZvKi%2FjKilZqym