he is often the life and soul of the party in walford, and is known to like a pint of guinness or two. he is a perfect pal for the other seniors on the square – jules tavernier (tommy eytle) and ethel skinner (gretchen franklin). he is often seen engaging in a game of poker with jules. on one occasion jules manages to thrash john, but is mortified when john pays the winnings in chickens instead of money. mo butcher (edna doré) ends up taking them back to her family's bed and breakfast.