Bluey actor 'wiping away tears' after watching special

Bluey actor Melanie Zanetti says she was wiping away tears after she watched the program's 28-minute special The Sign.

The extended episode of the hit Australian children's TV show about a family of cartoon dogs will premiere globally on Sunday.

The animation, which centres around the perspective of puppy Bluey as she engages in imaginary play with her sister Bingo, will include a wedding and follow on from Ghostbasket where viewers saw a "for sale" sign outside the Heeler household.

Speaking about The Sign, Zanetti, who plays Bluey's mother Chilli Heeler, told the PA news agency: "Usually I only get to see it (the episodes) when the public get to see it but we had a little viewing of this one, and it is an emotional roller coaster."

Discussing the show's appeal, Zanetti said: "I think the writing is so truthful and I think it manages to really capture the reality of family life at that age in all its hilarity and ridiculousness, but also the things that are a little tricky to grapple with as well.

"I've had a teacher tell me that they have had a couple of children with special needs in their class and this show taught them how to play with other kids and (helped to) change their life at school," Zanetti said.