Buster Briggs

Name: Andrew “Buster” Briggs
First Appeared: 18th November 2014
Last Appeared: 23rd September 2016
Played by: Karl Howman

Buster Briggs made quite the entrance in Walford back in 2014. He was revealed to be a convict serving time in prison, and things kicked off when he was unknowingly kidnapped during a day release. Mick and Dean, believing Shirley was in the caravan they were towing, brought Buster to Albert Square. After some conversations about his past with the Carters, Dean realized that Buster was his father. The two bonded and hatched a plan with Shirley to escape together. However, things went awry when Mick alerted the authorities, leading to Buster’s re-arrest and an extra month in prison. It wasn’t until later that Buster also discovered Mick was his son.

When Buster returned to Walford with Dean, he brought plans for a new life in Greece for himself, Shirley, and Dean. But drama followed as Dean was arrested for breaking bail conditions. Buster initially blamed Mick but soon realized it was Shirley who had called the police. Despite his anger, Buster decided to stay to support Dean, especially when he was in prison, and helped keep Dean’s salon, Blades, afloat. Their family dynamic was anything but smooth, especially after Buster discovered that Babe had paid someone to throw a brick through the salon window, leading him to publicly humiliate her.

Buster’s relationship with the Carters deepened, particularly when Mick’s son Ollie was born. But his personal life took a dramatic turn when he got involved with Kathy Sullivan. The two began a secret affair, with Buster feeling he was with the wrong woman. This secret relationship hit a snag when Kathy’s son Ben was attacked, prompting Kathy to end things, leaving Buster heartbroken. The affair was exposed when Mick’s son Lee found out and told Mick, who confronted Buster, urging him to confess to Shirley.

Realizing he no longer loved Shirley, Buster decided to leave Walford with Kathy. But, once again, heartbreak was on the cards when Kathy chose to stay with her family. Left with no other option, Buster departed Albert Square alone, leaving a trail of complicated relationships and unresolved emotions in his wake.