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.

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EastEnders legend Ricky Groves has made a return to the BBC One soap operaCredit: BBC

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Ricky plays the role of GarryCredit: BBC

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Garry and Minty made comebacks for Billy Mitchell’s stag-doCredit: BBC

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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..”

A third then added: “Me watching tonight’s episode when Minty & Garry appeared! Such a lovely surprise! Would love them to come back permanently.”

While a fourth gushed: “Flipping hell you’re spoiling us #Eastenders!

“We got Bianca smashing Reiss over the head with a vase on Monday, Arthur & Pauline on screen on Tuesday, a cameo from Garry & Minty today and tomorrow it’s the Phil flashback episode.

“I’m here all the way for #EastEnders40.”

This comes after Garry actor Ricky could be seen in some adverts last autumn for a mould product.

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…

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He made a career U-turn last yearCredit: Instagram

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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.”

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.

His dramatic plots included heartbreaking child loss and a near-fatal suicide attempt.

Garry did get a happy ending though. and sailed off into the sunset with Dawn Swann (Kara Tointon).

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He also reunited with a co-star last yearCredit: Instagram/jamie_b10

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His dramatic plots included heartbreaking child loss and a near-fatal suicide attemptCredit: BBC

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He left the soap with DawnCredit: Handout

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He hasn’t aged a day since departing Albert SquareCredit: BBC