EastEnders star Michelle Collins has announced the sad death of her “beautiful” dog Humphrey. The actor, who plays Cindy Beale on the soap, shared a heartwarming tribute to the beloved Shih Tzu earlier today.

“He came into my life about 16 years ago from the rescue charity alldogsmatter and he has been my steadfast companion everywhere since,” she wrote on Instagram. “I can’t think of a single dressing room that I have been in without him.”

Collins shared the “close bond” her husband Mike formed with the dog, as they kept each other company while she was away or at work.

“The only trouble with that was he often tried clipping Humphrey’s hair himself…. which didn’t always work out to plan,” she added.

“I cannot begin to describe how much joy he has brought into our lives and it is truly heart wrenching that he will no longer be there when I open my front door, wake up in the morning or go to sleep at night. Today Mike said to me, ‘my world was just a better place with him in it and I feel lost.’”

Alongside the caption, the star posted a collection of sweet and funny photos of Humphrey “a.k.a The Humph” over the years, from professionals snaps to cheeky selfies.

“‘You were my favourite hello and my hardest goodbye,’” she concluded.

Collins received an outpouring of support in the comment section, including messages from her EastEnders co-stars Emma Barton (Honey Mitchell) and Diane Parish (Denise Fox).

“Awww Michelle im so sorry. He was such a good boy. You gave him the the best life xxx,” said Michelle Keegan.

The rescue charity All Dogs Matter also shared their condolences, writing: “Sending you all our love. Humphrey was lucky to have found you.”