Ex-EastEnders star talks returning to soap for third time as brand new character
EXCLUSIVE: EastEnders star Gary Webster has revealed his huge soap plans as he wants to make history by landing a spot in all six soaps - but a return to the Square could happen first
An EastEnders star, who has already played two characters on the BBC soap, could be up for a return.
Daily Star spoke exclusively to Gary Webster about his soap dreams as he promoted his new horror-comedy film Jackie the Stripper, which has already signed up many famous faces including Katie Price, James Phelps and Jamie Lomas.
Gary’s first major TV role was in EastEnders playing Graham Clark from 1987 until 1988. However, a few years later became better known for playing Ray Daley in Minder, after replacing Dennis Waterman as George Cole’s on-screen sparring partner in the series from 1991-1994.
After this, Gary, 61, continued on with a stellar soap career after making a brief appearances in Hollyoaks as Dion in 2001, and in Crossroads as Richard Mason the same year.
Gary played Graham Clark in the soap the first time around(Image: BBC)
He also starred as a regular in Family Affairs, playing Gary Costello from 2003 until the series wrapped in 2005. Though in 2016, he returned to Albert Square, this time playing Neville Peacock for four episodes.
Talking about whether he will come back for a third time as a new character, Gary shared: “I’ve done EastEnders twice, I don’t know if I will do it for a third time… Well, of course if they called and it depended on the kind of character offered then I would certainly think about it.”
Gary also shared: “I think I’m the only actor that if I do Coronation Street and Emmerdale then I would have done all six soaps. I’ve done Family Affairs, EastEnders, Hollyoaks and Cross Roads, I did that when they revived it in the early 2000s.
He also starred in Minder(Image: PA)
“I just need to do those other two and I don’t think any other actor has done all six. It would be lovely to do Emmerdale and then finish off in the Street. I would be happy to do just a cameo as a one liner and then tick that off on my CV.”
Gary also spoke about his new role in Jackie the Stripper, which is being directed by Michael Head, who is taking on this unique modern day story linked to Jack the Ripper.
Talking about his role in the film, he shared: “I play the character called John Gray, who is a policeman, and he is there to protect our lead character and any offspring from her.
Gary returned for a second time in 2016(Image: BBC/Kieron McCarron)
“He is a good man and he realises there is corruption around and Jack the Ripper is on the loose. He’s part of a freemasonry type group.
“I am definitely a goody in this film – it’s fun to play a bad guy but when you’re a good character it can be more difficult as you need to keep it more interesting.”
He added: “It’s been a pleasure to work with Michael again – every time I think about looking at alternative routes to get a wage in, then something comes up. I’ve been very lucky that way.
“I just feel lucky to be in the game still and to have days like today. I’m still a kid with their hand in the sweetie jar, thinking ‘Wow, I’ve just done something else’.”
