A love interest for Jean Slater

Adrian Edmondson is joining the cast of EastEnders.

The star of The Young Ones and Bottom will play Daniel Cook, a new love interest for Jean Slater, played by Gillian Wright.

The BBC has said Edmondson had already started filming, with his first appearance to air later this summer.

His character is described as ‘charming and with a wicked sense of humour";

The 62-year-old said in a statement: ‘There were only 15 boys on my drama course at Manchester Uni, and I'll be the third to appear in EastEnders - so I feel it's a kind of tradition! The other two being Tom Watt [Lofty Holloway] and Paul Bradley [Nigel Bates].’

EastEnders executive producer Jon Sen said: ‘Adrian's a phenomenal talent who will bring his unique blend of intelligence, warmth and humour to the role of Daniel.

‘We’re all over the moon he's coming to Walford and can't wait for this love story to hit screens later this year.’

He is the latest comedian to move into soaps following in the footsteps of the likes of Bradley Walsh, Les Dennis and Vic Reeves.

Published: 9 May 2019