Former Minder star Gary Webster is to appear in EastEnders as Belinda Peacock’s mysterious husband.
Belinda (Carli Norris) has had regular slots in the BBC soap since 2001 but we’ve never seen her husband before – just heard a lot about how successful he is.
“Neville has always seen himself and his wife as a cut above the rest of the Slaters, believing them to be a picture of respectability,” a show insider told the Mirror.
But what really goes on behind closed doors in this couple’s prim and suburban relationship?
“She is a Slater after all, so it can’t all be white picket fences,” added the insider.
In recent months Belinda has been back in Albert Square as she helped the family to support Stacey (Lacey Turner), who suffered severe mental illness after giving birth to Arthur.
Belinda has been a recent visitor to Albert Square to support cousin Stacey
Now it seems Belinda might be considering a more permanent return to Walford, which hasn’t pleased her husband one bit.
In scenes filmed last month, Mick and Linda Carter (Danny Dyer and Kellie Bright) visit the couple’s plush home in Kent and then drive off with Belinda.
A furious Neville rushes out in his dressing gown and hurls a flip flop at their departing 4x4.
Gary, 52, is best known for playing Ray, nephew of George Cole’s Arthur Daley character in Minder, when he replaced Dennis Waterman.
Gary made his name in Minder, co-starring with George Cole
He has appeared in EastEnders before, but as a different character. In 1987 he played the brother of Barry Clark, who was half of the show’s first gay couple.
“Filming these scenes was a lot of fun and it was great to work with Carli, and some other Walford residents,” he said of his return to the soap.
“I can’t reveal what happens but I can say viewers won’t want to miss it.”
EastEnders continues on BBC1, Monday, May 2, 8.00pm.
