Former EastEnders star Ricky Groves has made a surprising career move, trading the drama of Albert Square for the persuasive world of television infomercials. The 57-year-old actor, best known for playing mechanic Gary Hobbs, has appeared in a social media advertisement promoting a specialised mould remover.
From Walford to Product Demonstrations
In the promotional clip for hardware company Must Have Ideas UK, Groves appears as confident on camera as ever. Dressed in a blue polo shirt, he enthusiastically demonstrated the product, praising its 'patented formula' directly to viewers.
Groves originally joined the BBC One soap in 2002 as part of the extended Slater family. His character, Gary Hobbs, was married to Lynn (played by Elaine Lordan) before later pursuing an unlikely romance with Dawn Swann, portrayed by Kara Tointon. His stint on the show lasted nine years before his character was written out in 2009.
Life After the Square: Strictly and a Surprise Return
Following his departure from EastEnders, Groves kept himself in the public eye through reality television. He participated in both Celebrity Coach Trip and the 2009 series of Strictly Come Dancing.
In a twist for fans, Groves made a surprise one-off return to Walford in February 2025, briefly reprising his role as Gary Hobbs. This came not long after another iconic character, Pat Butcher, made a shock reappearance in December 2024 for a special episode focusing on Nigel Bates's dementia storyline.
Personal Life and Past Marital Split
The actor's personal life has also drawn headlines over the years. He was previously married to fellow EastEnders actress Hannah Waterman, who played Laura Beale. The couple split in 2009 after Groves stated she revealed an affair with actor Huw Higginson.
Waterman and Higginson, who had met years earlier when he played her character's landlord in the soap, later moved in together in June 2010. They went on to welcome a son, relocate to Australia, marry, and Waterman secured a role in rival soap Home and Away. Groves had previously suggested his ex-wife's fitness regime and associated DVD contributed to their marriage breakdown.
Ricky Groves's latest venture into product promotion shows a versatile actor adapting to new opportunities long after his most famous role came to an end.
