SHOCKING SECRET FOR YOU!! End of an era as EastEnders icon announces retirement after years in early BBC iPlayer release

This article contains spoilers for tonight’s episode of EastEnders, which airs on BBC One at 7.30pm or can be streamed now on iPlayer.

A fan-favourite EastEnder has decided to call time on their prestigious job in the Walford community.

I am, of course, referring to Bridge Street Market’s chief inspector Mr Lister (Nick Wilton), or Bob to his mates.

Not like he has many – he’s ruffled many a feather during the last 17 years. That could all come to an end in upcoming scenes, however, as the busybody has announced his retirement.

Who is Mr Lister in EastEnders?

Mr Lister is often seen ensuring the locals have a market license, disciplining the traders and being a general nuisance. He has been a recurring presence in the show since 2008, and has appeared in 61 episodes.

Viewers will remember that at one point he developed somewhat of an inappropriate affection for Honey Mitchell (Emma Barton)

After asking her if she was single, he commented that the lot of her life could be closer than she thought. The two then had lunch together, with Lister flooding her with compliments.

Bianca cries at Mr Lister in EastEnders — Lister has been in charge of the market since 2008 (Picture: BBC Picture Archives)

Honey speaks to Kathy in the cafe in EastEnders — Honey excitedly told Kathy about the job prospect (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

He even said she could drop the formalities and start calling him Bob!

At the time, she’d just split up from Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick), and he tried to suggest that she’d be better off with an older man. Luckily, Finlay Baker (Ashley Byam) came to her rescue, stepping in to announce that they were a couple.

Last year, amid Junior Knight’s (Micah Balfour) plans to redevelop the market, he announced his intentions to retire. He wouldn’t even support the residents campaign to save the institution.

However, the late Martin Fowler (James Bye) convinced him to stay in post and help fight.

Who will replace Mr Lister as market inspector?

In tonight’s episode, Honey excitedly told Kathy Cotton (Gillian Taylforth) that she may have a new job on the horizon.

She’s Lister’s second in command, but is eyeing up his position post-retirement.

Let’s face it, she’s pretty much the perfect candidate!

But does this mean the end of Mr Lister’s time in Walford? Could he still pop up from time to time?

Who is Mr Lister in EastEnders?

Who will replace Mr Lister as market inspector?

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