Jump directly to the content

BLUE Lights fans rejoiced after spotting EastEnders star Nabil Elouahabi in the BBC drama.

This evening the first instalment of the new series hit our screens on channel 1.

Blue Lights premiered tonight on BBC One
4
Blue Lights premiered tonight on BBC OneCredit: BBC
Viewers were delighted to see Nabil Elouahabi on their screens tonight
4
Viewers were delighted to see Nabil Elouahabi on their screens tonight

BBC One's Blue Lights follows three rookie police officers -  Grace Ellis, Tommy Foster and Annie Conlon - working in Belfast, and the challenges they face.

Inspector David Johnston gets an unexpected visit from a man called Joseph who is unimpressed with what his officers have been up to.

Viewers watching at home were left lost for words when they realised who the actor was playing Joseph.

One wrote: "#bluelights there's Tariq from Eastenders lol."

Nabil took on the role of Tariq Larousi in BBC soap between 2003 and 2005.

However others pointed out on the social media platform that they recognised the actor from his role in Only Fools and Horses.

Nabil played Rashid Mahmoon aka Gary in the BBC One show in 2002.

A second tweeted: "The return of GARY."

Another simply said: "Gary," with a laughing emoji.

A fourth joked: "Gary’s done well for himself."

Over the years Nabil has appeared in a number of popular TV shows and films.

He's taken on roles in blockbusters such as Ali G Indahouse, Sand Castle and Blitz.

The actor has also played Mr. Mustapha in Top Boy, Rabee in Our Girl, Hassan Rahim in Trigger Point and Younes Mehenni in The Tower.

Nabil played Tariq in EastEnders in the early 2000s
4
Nabil played Tariq in EastEnders in the early 2000sCredit: BBC
The star played Rashid Mahmoon aka Gary in Only Fools and Horses
4
The star played Rashid Mahmoon aka Gary in Only Fools and HorsesCredit: BBC
Topics