Lenny Wallace

Name: Lenny Wallace
First Appeared: 28th May 1996
Last Appeared: 6th July 1999
Played by: Desune Coleman

Lenny Wallace made his lively debut in Walford in May, 1996, bringing a splash of fun and mischief to Albert Square. Alongside his Welsh buddy, Huw Edwards, Lenny took up employment as a barman at George Palmer’s Cobra Club. The duo soon moved into 55 Victoria Road, renting from Mark and Ruth Fowler, and quickly became known for their loud music and a pirate radio station that kept neighbour Ian Beale perpetually annoyed.

Lenny, ever the womaniser, wasted no time in setting his sights on Bianca Jackson, even managing a one-night stand with her despite her relationship with Ricky Butcher. This escapade resulted in a pregnancy scare that fortunately turned out to be a false alarm, allowing Bianca to marry Ricky without him knowing about her indiscretion. Lenny juggled bar work with a stint as a cab driver for Barry Evans and was a regular at poker games and parties.

Things took a turn when the Cobra Club closed following a police raid, leaving Lenny and Huw unable to pay their rent. They claimed squatters’ rights, leading to tension with their landlords, Mark and Ruth Fowler. Lenny’s interests extended beyond partying; he was an avid speedway motorbike racing fan and even persuaded Ricky Butcher to give it a try, though Ricky’s wife Bianca soon took over management duties. Lenny bounced back as a barman, working first for Annie Palmer at the Market Cellar and later for Steve Owen at the e20.

Lenny’s womanising ways caught up with him when his ex-girlfriend, Alice, arrived with the news that she had tested positive for Hepatitis B. This caused quite a stir, especially for Bianca, who had to come clean about her past with Lenny to Ricky, straining their relationship. With his reputation in tatters, Lenny felt isolated until he was cleared of the disease. He threw himself into promoting Mick McFarlane’s band and even enjoyed a jaunt to France for the 1998 World Cup. A brief romance with Teresa di Marco ended when her protective brother Gianni intervened. After Huw left in April 1999, Lenny stayed behind, but eventually left Walford for a job at a West End club in July 1999.