Who are EastEnders’ Garry and Minty and what have the actors been in since?

Fans of BBC One soap EastEnders will receive a wonderful surprise watching tonight’s episode, as Ricky Groves and Cliff Parisi have reprised their roles as best friends Garry Hobbs and Minty Peterson. Due to the fact the instalment is already available to view on BBC iPlayer, we know the two characters head back to Walford for Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) and Honey’s (Emma Barton) sten do. The beloved residents haven’t been seen since 2009 and 2010, which means it’s high time we delve into the soap history books and reflect on the lives Garry and Minty used to have in Albert Square.

Here’s everything you need to know. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video. Up Next. Ricky Groves played Garry from 2000-2009. He was the husband of Lynne Slater, but their relationship fell apart when it was suggested he had fathered Laura’s baby, Bobby. When Bobby was in hospital and needed a blood transfusion, Laura learnt that Garry’s blood group wasn’t compatible, leading to the discovery Ian (Adam Woodyatt) was actually the father.

In 2009, Garry left Walford alongside new partner Dawn Swann (Kara Tointon) and her daughter Summer. They sailed away together after Dawn admitted her love for Garry, and her affair with Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) ended. Following his departure from the soap, Ricky voiced a character called Markus in a Doctor Who podcast series, and has also featured in the series Crime Stories and Going Forward.

Cliff Parisi portrayed Minty from 2002-2010. He was initially introduced as Janine and Laura’s landlord, but then moved into a flat with Garry and quickly became good friends. In 2008, Minty and Heather Trott got married, but things sadly didn’t last long, as Heather caught him kissing another woman. The character said goodbye to Walford in 2010. He left Heather behind and wanted to start his life again.

Two years later though, Heather was brutally murdered by Phil’s son Ben Mitchell. Cliff has featured in a variety of comedies and dramas since his exit from the soap, including Outnumbered, The Good Ship Murder and Shakespeare & Hathaway. He is also best known for playing Fred Buckle in BBC One’s Call the Midwife. Fred works as a handyman at Nonnatus House, and is the husband of Violet. Arrow MORE: Death, fire, exits and gun horror in EastEnders’ 40th anniversary.

Arrow MORE: Call the Midwife fans ‘gutted’ after beloved character is killed off. Arrow MORE: Billy and Honey are given a chilling shock amid EastEnders wedding plans. Sign up for exclusive spoilers and interviews, handpicked by our Soaps Editor. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy.