George “Lofty” Holloway

Name: George “Lofty” Holloway
First Appeared: 26th February 1985
Last Appeared: 12th December 2022
Played by: Tom Watt

George “Lofty” Holloway, the gentle giant of Albert Square, was around from almost the very beginning. With his towering height and kind heart, Lofty quickly became a beloved figure in the community. He might have been a bit of a doormat at times, but his loyalty and good nature made him a friend to many and a foe to none.

Lofty’s early days in Walford were marked by his job as a barman at The Queen Vic. He was always ready with a pint and a sympathetic ear, making him a favourite among the regulars. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing for Lofty. His relationship with Michelle Fowler was a rollercoaster of emotions. Despite his best efforts to be the perfect partner, Michelle’s heart was never truly in it, leading to a series of heartbreaks for our hapless hero.

One of the most greatest moments in Lofty’s life was his secret wedding to Michelle. After being jilted at the altar the first time around, Lofty was overjoyed when Michelle finally agreed to marry him. But their happiness was short-lived. Michelle’s decision to have an abortion without telling Lofty was a devastating blow, and their marriage quickly fell apart. Lofty’s departure from Walford in 1988 was a quiet one, witnessed only by Den Watts, marking the end of an era for the gentle barman.

Lofty’s story didn’t end there, though. He made a surprise return to the Square in 2019 for the funeral of Dr. Legg, and again in 2022 for Dot’s farewell. These brief visits reminded everyone of the kind-hearted man who had once been a fixture in their lives.