Ricky Groves (Garry Hobbs, 'EastEnders')
Garry Hobbs's unlucky streak with women continues next week when the woman of his dreams Dawn Swann (Kara Tointon) rejects his marriage proposal. Taking the news badly, Garry - played by Ricky Groves - sets off into the sunset without telling a soul and is presumed missing. When the police find his car abandoned on the Dover cliffs, the news of Garry's 'suicide' hits Albert Square hard and residents struggle to come to terms with his 'death'. Not all, though, is at is seems. We gave Ricky a call to find out more.
Garry's been wanting to get with Dawn for a while now and next week, he inadvertently proposes…
"With the history of the character, it's like they've been thrown together, what with Dawn being bereaved and Garry having tried it on with her one too many times before. He almost has the instant Pot Noodle family, and with Minty accusing him of being a surrogate dad to Summer, he thinks he may as well pop the question."
Does Garry not think that he's just being used as a babysitter or is he blinded by Dawn?
"I think he hopes that because he's already doing half the job, the other half will follow. Garry thinks he's won the Lottery with Dawn. I think Garry's growing up a bit, to be honest."
Garry takes Dawn for a meal at the Argee Bargee. What happens there?
"Outright rejection, that's what! Garry has the ring put in a cocktail and when Dawn goes for a trip down memory lane, Garry thinks she's talking about him when really, she's talking about her feelings for Jase. Before he realises that, though, he signals to the waiter to bring the ring out and Dawn finds it. When she says 'no', that's when Garry goes on the missing list."
What's Garry's state of mind at this point?
"As always, he thinks he's on a winner and really, he isn't. The next thing you know, he's back to being depressed and decides to take a break from it all but sends the wrong signals out to everyone."
Where does he go and how does he get there?
"Basically, he takes one of the cars from the Arches and then the police find it at a well-known, unseen suicide spot and because Garry tried to commit suicide before, people assume the worst back on the Square. In reality, it materialises that the car had been stolen while Garry was heading over to France and it's found on the white cliffs of Dover. While everyone's organising a memorial service for him, Garry can't believe what he's walking in on when he returns to Walford."
What happens?
"He walks in on his own wake! People like Peggy and Phil are saying kind things about him and then there's Dawn who says that she thinks she loved him - that's the moment when Garry walks in. That's what prompts him to make another move towards her."
Do you think she meant it or do you think she was just saying it because of the circumstances?
"Maybe there is a hint of that, but I think it was intended to show that maybe Dawn had been a bit bolshy with him and maybe she should start treating him a little better. When Garry's 'gone', I think she slightly sees the error of her ways and maybe realises that she did take him for granted a little."
Does this signal Garry maybe settling down?
"If you look at the history of Garry, when he was with Laura and she had Bobby, Bobby didn't turn out to be his kid. In the back of his mind, I think Garry's always wanted to prove himself as a father. So he's kind of got that with Dawn and Summer - the instant, ready-made family."
Do you think Garry will start spending less time with Minty?
"Well, Minty gets a girlfriend soon after…"
Maybe there'll be a double wedding on the cards?
"Well, you never know! I think there's been one double wedding before, with Barry, Natalie, Ian and Mel. It'd be funny to see Garry and Minty stood at the altar, though."
