EastEnders brings back iconic 00s stars in unexpected early iPlayer release twist

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video. Up Next. This article contains spoilers for tonight’s episode of EastEnders, that airs on BBC One at 7.30pm but is available to stream now on iPlayer. 00s EastEnders legends Garry Hobbs (Ricky Groves) and Minty Peterson (Cliff Parisi) have made unannounced returns to Albert Square ahead of the show’s 40th anniversary.

The best pals, who last appeared in 2009 and 2010 respectively, arrived to celebrate Billy and Honey Mitchell’s (Perry Fenwick and Emma Barton) joint stag and hen do. During their original tenure, Garry and Minty were known for their series of comedic storylines, and proved to be real fan-favourites. The locals were shocked to reunite with the pair, with Mo Harris (Laila Morse) reckoning they’d only shown up for the free booze.

Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) mentioned Garry’s original exit plot, that saw him sail off into the sunset with then-girlfriend Dawn Swann (Kara Tointon) and her daughter Summer. Unfortunately, it seems that their relationship hit stormy waters when, according to Alfie, ‘the boat sank.’. We’re not sure if this is physically, or metaphorically, though Garry was keen to big up his new life working in the media. But he wasn’t being exactly truthful….

The lads’ arrival was good timing for Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian), who enlisted them to host the quiz he’d arranged. Later, Billy and Honey were saddened to hear that Garry couldn’t stick around longer for the wedding, whilst Minty filled in Mo and Alfie on the missing years. He revealed that the infamous boat had indeed sunk – no less than three times(!) – and Dawn reckoned she needed a new life.

Minty had more luck in the love department, as he was now married. He also had adopted a kid who stunk out his attic… but there was a twist. The kid in question is Garry!. He was actually working as a bingo caller. As they left, Alfie begged Minty to keep in touch. Could we be seeing them in Walford again one day?. There was one noticeable omission from the celebrations, as Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) realised that her ex-husband Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) had failed to show up.

He’d spent the evening burning old pictures from his youth and smashing a TV that was playing a family video. Here's what EastEnders fans can expect as the soap celebrates its 40th anniversary on 19 February 2025:. Having previously gone live for the 25th and 30th anniversaries in 2010 and 2015, the soap will be beaming live to the nation once again during the 40th week. This instalment will air one day after the big 4-0, on Thursday February 20.

The episode will also mark a huge EastEnders first as bosses are giving the audience the power to vote on the outcome of one storyline, with the actors having to react to the result live on air – speaking of which…. With Denise Fox (Diane Parish) having found herself in a love triangle with Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) and Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara), fans will decide whether she reunites with her estranged husband Jack or picks her secret lover.

We also know that another 'history making' decision will be left to audiences to decide, with details yet to be announced. ​​Ross Kemp will be reprising his role as the legendary Grant Mitchell to play a significant part in the 40th celebrations. ‘Grant has never been far from the action and let’s just say, this time is no different as he certainly comes back with a bang,’ Ross teased. Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) was left for dead when she was whacked over the head with a shovel by a mystery assailant on Christmas Day after the truth about her affair with former stepson Junior Knight (Micah Balfour) exploded.

With the finger of suspicion currently pointing at numerous characters, Cindy’s attacker will be unmasked at last during the anniversary week. Ahead of the big week, BBC Four will broadcast EastEnders Sings at the BBC, a look back at archive performances from cast members from Top of the Pops. Ross Kemp will take a trip down Walford memory lane with a special hour-long documentary called EastEnders: 40 Years on The Square, taking fans behind the scenes as he delves into the show’s history and relieves some of the most memorable moments.

BBC Three will also offer viewers a look at the explosive anniversary storylines with a 45-minute interview special – EastEnders Revealed: The Lock In – hosted by Joe Swash as he chats to some of the actors who find themselves at the heart of the anniversary drama. As Billy and Honey Mitchell (Perry Fenwick and Emma Barton) prepare to walk down the aisle, their favourite boozer The Queen Victoria will burn to the ground.