Jules Tavernier

Name: Jules Tavernier
First Appeared: 5th July 1990
Last Appeared: 23rd December 1997
Played by: Tommy Eytle

Jules Tavernier, born in Trinidad in 1918, was a man with a rich history and plenty of stories to tell. He recalled the oil crisis of 1937 with vivid clarity and spent time living in Jamaica before arriving in England in 1968. What was meant to be a holiday turned into a long stay to help his family, particularly looking after his son’s newborn child so his daughter-in-law could do teacher training. With his wife having passed away young, Jules found purpose in England, sticking around to lend a helping hand as more grandchildren came along.

Jules made his entrance to Albert Square in July 1990 with the rest of the Tavernier clan. His easy-going, jovial nature made him a hit with Walford’s older ladies, and he was often seen flirting with Ethel Skinner and Dot Cotton. A gambler at heart, Jules enjoyed playing cards with John Royle during visits from Ireland. Despite his age, Jules was fiercely independent and played a supportive role to his family, always ready with advice.

When his son and daughter-in-law moved to Norwich in 1992, Jules chose to stay behind, feeling right at home in Walford. However, his independence was challenged in August 1992 when he was mugged by a couple of girls, leaving him shaken and ashamed. With the nurturing help of Dot, Jules eventually regained his confidence and health. His world was shaken again in 1993 when Gidea Thompson, his granddaughter from a past affair, arrived unannounced. He bonded with Gidea but was horrified to learn she was dating his grandson, Clyde. Ignoring Jules’s protests, Clyde eventually moved to Trinidad with Gidea.

Jules shared his home with Nellie Ellis and Blossom Jackson at different times, but their relationships remained strictly platonic. In 1995, he struck up a friendship with local barber Felix Kawalski, often seen playing chess together at The Queen Victoria pub. Though Jules didn’t have an on-screen exit, it’s believed he eventually moved to sheltered accommodation.