Jamie Mitchell (Jack Ryder) – THEN
Robbie Fowler fans had to double take when this photo of Jack Ryder emerged online. He was a teenage heartthrob back in the day, but he’s sporting a much different look now, with a lot less hair and a pair of glasses; he’s almost unrecognisable!
He married Coronation Street’s Kym Marsh in 2002 but divorced in 2009. Jack went on to direct for several films and theatre productions and is currently touring for the production of The Full Monty.
Jamie did also make a small on-screen appearance on Casualty and last November, it was announced that Ryder will be a new addition to the cast of Holby City as the new Consultant General Surgeon. Exciting times.
Jack Ryder (Jamie Mitchell) – NOW
Heather Trott (Cheryl Fergison) – THEN
Heather is an iconic character in Eastenders. Whether you watch it or not, who hasn’t heard of this legendary gal?!
Known for her love of cheese, headbands, karaoke and George Michael, (God, she’s SO relatable!) her character involves a lot of comedy with Cheryl even winning an award for the ‘Funniest Performance’ at the 2008 Inside Soap Awards.
Although her role is mainly humorous, she was involved in a whodunnit when she became pregnant by an unknown man! The father? Teenager Darren Miller! In 2012, she made her final appearance after being unintentionally killed by Ben Mitchell.
This year, she announced that she has written an album and hopes to become a music star!
Cheryl Fergison – (Heather Trott) – NOW
Minty Peterson (Cliff Parisi) – THEN
Minty; the nickname given to him as he was always turning up to work late ‘after eight’. Ayyy! C’mon Eastenders, really?
Minty was actually only due to appear in a few episodes but his contract was extended and extended, eventually turning into a series regular. He was given a full backstory and linked to Phil Mitchell before going on to have some pretty interesting plots. Dating Minty’s mum Hazel, marrying Heather… his character is there to provide some light heartedness to an otherwise dramatic soap. Thank goodness!
Since leaving Eastenders, he has been appearing in the period drama Call The Midwife, as Fred Buckle. He also appeared in the final series of Outnumbered, as Ed Poll.
Cliff Parisi (Minty Peterson) – NOW
Garry Hobbs (Ricky Groves) – THEN
Big hitter with the ladies – at least in his head – he flirts with any woman he can and refuses to settle down.
But there’s always that one special person and him and Lynne eventually got engaged… then she has an affair with her ex-fiancé. It is Eastenders after all, obviously there was never going to be a happy ending!
They pull through though and have a baby, all seeming well until Garry has a one night stand with Laura Beale, unexpectedly getting her pregnant… The drama just never stops!
Back in the real world, Ricky married girlfriend and fellow co-star Hannah Waterman (Laura Beale). They were married for 3 and a half years before splitting.
Ricky Groves (Garry Hobbs) – NOW
