Former EastEnders star Gary Hailes discusses big reaction to Colin and Barry return news

 "I wasn’t expecting it."

Former EastEnders star Gary Hailes, who played Barry Clark on the show, has opened up about the big reaction to the return of his character, Barry, and Colin.

In case you missed it, Gary Hailes is one of the many familiar faces set to return to the show for Dot Branning’s funeral as a tribute to longtime EastEnders star June Brown, who passed away earlier this year, aged 95.

Former cast members Jacqueline Jossa (Lauren Branning), Lord Michael Cashman (Colin Russell), Tom Watt (Lofty Holloway), Linda Davidson (Mary Smith) and Jan Graveson (Disa O'Brien) are all returning to Walford alongside Hailes.

And now, in a recent interview, he has opened up about returning to the show and the reactions when people found out.

“I cannot tell you how many messages I’ve had since the news was announced – I have been inundated! I wasn’t expecting it. I’ve enjoyed hearing all the speculation about Colin and Barry’s return and what it might involve,” he said.

“All I can say is that the episodes are so well-written, and there’s a real understanding of what went on for them before. I know they had a strong impact in the '80s.

“I periodically get letters from people telling me they are marrying their boyfriend, and they can do that because of what we did back then. Apparently, they used the scene where Dot realises that Barry and Colin share a bed in schools to educate people about gay relationships,” he added.

He also spoke about what it was like to return to the show after so long.

“When I first got the call, I was over the moon, but then the reality hit, and I was pretty nervous. It seemed intimidating after 30-odd years. But I soon got over that when I got there. The cast and crew were unbelievably friendly and welcoming,” he said.

“It was particularly nice to see Michael Cashman again as we keep in touch, but life had got in the way, and we hadn’t seen each other since before the lockdown. In the end, going back was like putting on an old pair of comfortable shoes - they fit exactly right, and they’re perfect,” he added.

EastEnders airs on Mondays - Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer.