Former Coronation Street star Daniel Brocklebank has shared an emotional update after announcing the tragic loss of one of his beloved pet dogs.
The actor, who played Billy Mayhew in the ITV soap, filmed in Salford, for more than a decade, took to social media over the weekend to share the tragic loss of his dachshund, Jean, after a battle to save her life.
A growing family of dachshunds
Back in 2019, the soap star got a 'new man in his life' - an adorable Dachshund called Colin. Daniel adopted the then-four-month-old pup who was being cared for at Dogs Trust Manchester after being illegally smuggled into the UK.
Colin was one of a litter of six puppies illegally imported into the UK from Hungary. Having travelled over 1,000 miles in horrendous conditions the litter was seized at the border by enforcement authorities before being looked after by the animal welfare charity.
Then, in February 2020, Daniel and Colin got a friend. "I would like to introduce you all to the newest addition to the family... Colin now has a sister, Jean!!" the actor shared alongside a photo of him cuddling up to his new Dachshund pup. "Huge thanks to the @DogsTrust again for all their amazing support."
Four years later, in 2024, Daniel revealed that his brood of four-legged companions had grown again as he introduced the newest member to the clan, Dorris.
Emotional tributes from co-stars
Confirming the tragic loss of Jean, Daniel wrote alongside a video of the pair sharing a cuddle on Instagram: "My beautiful loving, kind, desperately loyal pup Jean left us today. I’m heartbroken. A huge thanks to the wonderful staff @animaltrustvets for doing everything they could to save her."
His former Corrie co-stars were among those rushing to share their love and support. Jane Danson said: "Oh Dan so sorry to hear that. Sending you a big hug." Tony Maudsley replied: "Beautiful Jean. So sorry Dan." Sue Cleaver wrote: "Love you and I'm so glad I got to see her yesterday."
Sally Dynevor shared: "I’m so sorry Dan." Jane Hazlegrove posted: "Oh darling… that’s so sad.. it’s so painful. So much love dear heart." Sally Carman-Duttine shared: "Oh Dan, I’m heartbroken for you. I’m so sorry." Lucy Fallon added: "so sorry dan."
A heartfelt message to fans
Daniel has since returned to Instagram, and shared a photo of himself and Jean with her fellow pooches, Colin and Dorris. "Absolutely gutted that I’ll never get to snuggle up with my complete trio like this again," he emotionally shared. "But so grateful of the time I had with them all together. [heart emoji]. Hug your pups tight while you’ve got them," Daniel added.
