Comedian Amy Matthews is joining the cast of EastEnders.
Matthews, who has written for Have I Got News for You and appeared in sitcom Scot Squad, will play newcomer Rita.
In spoiler pictures from next week’s episodes, she can be seen chatting with Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) in The Queen Vic, before flirtatiously placing her hand on his leg.
It comes as he struggles in his relationship with Denise Fox (Diane Parish), who has declined to open up about her chemotherapy treatment not working. In today’s episode, after a challenging confrontation with Sheila Atkins (Sheila Ruskin), she retired to her bedroom and removed her head wrap.
Jack burst in through the door and witnessed her hair loss, and a traumatised Denise ordered him to leave.
A source told Digital Spy: “Jack has been Denise’s rock throughout her cancer ordeal so far. But the heartbreaking situation is really beginning to take its toll on this beloved couple.
“As a dramatic row erupts, Jack storms out – but what is he doing with a lady in The Vic, and why is her hand on his knee?”
Rita arrives in the same week as DC Craig Ingram, a junior colleague of Jack who takes over some of his cases when Walford Police Station demand he takes compassionate leave.
Craig is played by former Hollyoaks star Matthew James-Bailey, and before long he’s drawn into another situation that develops in Albert Square.
Speaking of the new arrival, executive producer Ben Wadey said: “We’re delighted to welcome Matthew to EastEnders, and he has been a fantastic addition to the cast.
“Craig’s presence in Walford forms part of a storyline involving the Brannings that will unfold this summer.”
James-Bailey added: “Joining EastEnders has been a dream come true.
“From it being the soundtrack to my childhood, always on in the background at home, to gathering around the TV with my family every Christmas, being able to play even a small part in such an iconic piece of British television is truly surreal.”
Read more:
- EastEnders confirms Zoe Slater exit as legendary character tipped to be killed off
- EastEnders confirms Hollyoaks favourite cast as new detective for major Branning storyline
- EastEnders legend teases “dangerous” dynamic between Max Branning and Cindy Beale
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Authors
Michael Adams is the Soaps Editor at Radio Times, covering all of the hot gossip and spoilers from Weatherfield to Walford, Emmerdale to Hollyoaks and everywhere in-between. He joined the team from Metro, where he spent two years as a Soaps Reporter and previously worked on the sets of both Coronation Street and Emmerdale.
