Recurring characters included Des (George Layton) (series 1–3), a back-street mechanic friend of Terry's who was friendly and likable, but not beyond car theft when called for; professional gambler Maurice Michaelson (Anthony Valentine) (series 1–2), kind-hearted stripper Debbie Mitchell (Diana Malin) and air stewardess Penny (Gennie Nevinson), both recurring girlfriends of Terry's; Ray Winstone as mechanic Arnie (series 4–7, conceived as a replacement for George Layton's Des, and as dim as Des was sharp); and wide boy Justin James (Mark Farmer) (series 5–7), who idolised Arthur and aspired to be like him, seeing him as a kind of godfather. Royce Mills also starred as Arthur's financial adviser, Andrew, whose character appeared in a number of episodes across several series.