EastEnders legend Ricky Groves has barely aged a day as he returns to soap after quitting fame for new career

EASTENDERS legend Ricky Groves has barely aged a day, with the star showing off his ageless looks while returning to the hit BBC soap opera.

Making a surprise return to the soap after quitting fame for a new career, Ricky stepped into his character Garry Hobbs' shoes as he made an unexpected return to the soap in tonight's episode.

Ricky Groves with other EastEnders cast members. — EastEnders legend Ricky Groves has made a return to the BBC One soap operaCredit: BBC

Ricky Groves in a scene from EastEnders. — Ricky plays the role of GarryCredit: BBC

Ricky Groves among other people at a party. — Garry and Minty made comebacks for Billy Mitchell's stag-doCredit: BBC

Portrait of Gary Hobbs, actor in the BBC television program. — Garry was a fan-favourite in the soap before he leftCredit: BBC

Turning up the Queen Victoria pub alongside his best mate Minty (played Cliff Parisi), the beloved pair returned to Walford for a flying visit.

The pair were seen in Wednesday night's episode as they attended Billy Mitchell's (Perry Fenwick) stag-do.

"Nice to see Garry and Minty back," penned one person.

Another said: "I've been watching 2009 EE so seeing Minty and Garry in today's episode was so cool.."

CAREER U-TURN

His career U-turn meant that he had switched from acting to peddling a product to tackle mould, 15 years after exiting Albert Square.

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In the advert, Ricky could be heard saying: "You want to get rid of unsightly mould forever? You're going to need Mould Magic Extreme. Let me explain.

"It has a special gel patented formula that actually sticks to the tiles and the grout. Now, don't believe me…

Man holding two tubes of mold remover. — He made a career U-turn last yearCredit: Instagram

Man in blue shirt demonstrating mold cleaner. — The Garry star was flogging mould cleanerCredit: Instagram

"Look at this… bathroom, mould after. Mould’s gone. Look at that. The wallpaper. Mould, mould. Look at that washing machine. Save you hundreds of pounds on repairs.

"Finally, look at the windows. Mould Magic has done the trick. Now, you get two in a pack, so click on the order link today and it's delivered to you within two working days."

EastEnders' 40th anniversary cameos so far

With the 40th anniversary of EastEnders coming up, fans are looking forward to some more incredible cameos from iconic faces of Walford's past. But who have we had so far?

Tracy-Ann Oberman - Oberman returned as Chrissie Watts, a character she last played nearly two decades ago.

Paul Bradley - Bradley returned as Nigel Bates, a character he last played over 25 years ago.

Micheal French - French returned as David Wicks, a character he last played two decades ago.

Patsy Palmer - Palmer returned as Bianca Jackson, a character she last played in 2019.

Coming up this year...

Ross Kemp - Kemp will reprise his role as Grant Mitchell, a character he first played in 1990. The BBC has described Kemp's storyline as "explosive". Kemp said it was an "absolute honour" to return to the show.

Other aspects of the 40th anniversary celebration include: A wedding between fan favorites, A huge explosion at the Queen Vic, and A live interactive episode.

At the time, one person commented: "Someone's career has hit rock bottom."

Another quipped: "A man’s gotta eat."

While a third asked: "Bro….weren’t you in EastEnders?!"

REUNION WITH CO-STAR

The former Splash! reality star reunited with his EastEnders co-star Jamie Borthwick last year.

At the time, Jamie who plays Jay shared the photo and wrote: "Legend."

Ricky's character of Garry arrived in Walford in 2000 as Lynne Slater's (played Elaine Lordan) former husband and stayed for nine years as part of the eclectic family.