AN EastEnders legend has hinted at a permanent return to the show after making a surprise cameo.

The BBC soap’s 40th anniversary celebrations have seen several past characters return.

Among them is beloved 00s duo Garry Hobbs (Ricky Groves) and Minty Peterson (Cliff Parisi).

The duo – who both left Walford over a decade ago – made a special appearance for old pal Billy Mitchell’s (Perry Fenwick) stag do.

However, Ricky has hinted viewers could be seeing more of his beloved character Garry.

The 56-year-old described his return to Walford as “an absolute privilege”.

He added: “It was a lovely day. It felt weird because I hadn’t been there for fourteen years so it was great to see my old buddies.

“It was great to meet some of the newer cast. Only wish I was there for more.”

Garry originally arrived on Albert Square in 2000, alongside the Slater family.

The mechanic was at the time dating Lynne Slater (Elaine Lordan), whom he later married and divorced.

A few years into his stint, writers crafted a friendship between Garry and fellow mechanic Minty.

In addition, the pair became flatmates and well-known for their comedy hijinks.

Garry waved goodbye to Walford in 2009, quite literally sailing into the sunset with Dawn Swann (Kara Tointon).

This week, viewers learned through Minty that Dawn and Garry had split up sometime after leaving the Square.

It was also revealed that he is occupying best mate Minty’s spare room.

At first, Garry claimed to his old pals that he had a lofty job in the media.

Fans, meanwhile, were thrilled to see the best pals make their shock return to Albert Square.

One wrote: “I screamed when Garry and Minty reappeared.”

Another said: “Garry and Minty!! Eastenders bringing back the OGs.”

While a third commented: “I started watching EastEnders in 2008. I remember Minty and Garry!”

Could we be seeing Garry back on our screens soon?