Nationwide vehicle services chain, Mr Clutch Autocentres, is looking for real-life versions of Eastenders’ Carly Wicks as the franchise aims to drive its growth over the next two years.

Similar to the soap garage, Mr Clutch started life in railway arches in East London, but has enjoyed considerably more success over the years than Phil Mitchell’s operation and opened 40 service centres nationwide. The expanding franchise believes that females could play a key role in its plans to continue its success as it looks to open 14 new Supercentres across the UK.

Mr Clutch founder, Joseph Yussuf, explains: We are keen to quash the grease monkey stereotype, similar to what Eastenders is doing with Carly Wicks, and utilize either the mechanical engineering or management expertise that many women possess.

“We are looking for ambitious people, men included, who do not necessarily need any previous mechanical experience to run our franchises. Strong drive and determination is often more important to franchisee success thank knowing how to handle a spanner.”

Since arriving in Albert Square, Carly Wicks played by Kellie Shirley, had given fellow mechanics, Gary and Minty, a run for their money and showed that she is more than capable under the bonnet. At the same time, she has managed to juggle commitments as a surrogate mum to Martin Fowler’s daughter, while enduring the never ending traumas of both the Wicks and Fowler families.

Yussuf concludes: “We obviously have to take soap life with a huge pinch of salt, but Carly Wicks’ character does portray some of the key qualities that can lead to success in the motor trade. Good multi-tasking. People and workload management skills are ideal assets for succeeding as a Mr Clutch franchisee. In many cases these qualities could help new franchisees to realize an average turnover of up to £350,000 per annum.”