Yahoo News Neighbours introduces new pet after death shock
Neighbours is introducing a new pet to Ramsay Street as part of the Valerie Grundy death storyline.
Show bosses have revealed that Neighbours' 8,000th episode will centre around the sad death of Val, who's quietly lived on the corner house of Ramsay Street for 34 years.
Australian entertainer Patti Newton has been cast in the role of reclusive Val, who makes her first – and last – appearance in the Aussie soap's milestone edition.
In the aftermath of Val passing away peacefully at home, the Sharma-Rebecchis take on the responsibility of looking after her dog Reg.
The new arrangement is a disaster from the start, as Reg constantly clashes with the family's existing pet Clancy.
When Shane and Dipi realise they need someone else to look after Reg while they track down Val's next of kin, David Tanaka (Takaya Honda) considers stepping up to the plate.
Noting how much Aaron (Matt Wilson) loves playing with Reg, David asks Mark to consider allowing them to adopt the pooch.
Mark is wary of allowing a pet into the Brennan house but David persists with the issue, pointing out how happy it would make Aaron.
David and Aaron are both overjoyed when Mark eventually concedes, allowing Reg to stick around on the Street.
The storyline of Val and her pet has been written in as a tribute to the late Reg Grundy, who helped to create Neighbours alongside Reg Watson in the '80s.
Neighbours airs these scenes on Boxing Day at 10.55am and 5.45pm on Channel 5.
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