In news we never knew we needed for 2021, it looks as though one of I’m a Celeb’s biggest names will be arriving in Albert Square and taking up a position and landlord Mick Carter’s sidekick.
But it’s not Jacqueline Jossa or Joe Swash returning to the soap – it’s 2018 winner Harry Redknapp, who made a career as a footballer and manager of Spurs and West Ham.
Despite having no formal acting training, since his win Harry has gone on to host his own successful podcast and star in a number of TV adverts, and is now turning his attentions to the silver screen.
CHECK OUT: who's arriving in EastEnders this year?
Who's arriving in EastEnders this year?
1 of 2Ellie Nixon (played by Mica Paris)
You might recognise Mica Paris as a 90s singer but you're set to see her in Walford as early as September. She'll be playing newbie Ellie Nixon and bosses have teased she's a "wolf in sheep's clothing". Ellie has a surprising connection with another resident and shouldn't be underestimated when it comes to getting what she wants. Speaking about her upcoming role Mica has said, "I am absolutely over the moon to be in EastEnders. I have been a fan since its first episode with Susan Tully being my favourite. "My character the formidable Ellie Nixon, is a new frontier for me as an actress - a lot of folks will see me as never before!"Jon Sen, Executive Producer, teased, "Ellie proves herself to be a ruthless and uncompromising force of nature who stops at nothing to ensure she capitalises on whatever she can..."We can't wait for the audience to meet Ellie and the mystery that surrounds her."
2 of 2Frankie (played by Rose Ayling-Ellis)
Frankie (played by Rose Ayling-Ellis) is set to arrive in Walford and help Ben Mitchell who struggles to come to terms with his additional loss of hearing.Following the Thames boat party, Ben hit his head and was seen struggling to communicate. Viewers will see Frankie, a new deaf character, help Ben come to terms with his hearing loss. The storyline will explore what it means to be deaf today and it will shine a spotlight on some experiences and challenges deaf people go through.EastEnders have been working closely with the National Deaf Children's Society and in upcoming episodes, viewers will notice different audio differences when Ben is unable to hear other characters. Rose, who is a deaf actress, has spoken out about her upcoming role and said, "I am so excited to be joining the cast of EastEnders and I am equally proud to be one of the first Deaf actresses to be part of this iconic soap. I can't wait for everyone to meet Frankie!"Jon Sen - Executive Producer - added, "It has been a long time ambition of EastEnders to reflect the experience of the deaf community and Ben's new story was the perfect opportunity to do that. We are thrilled to be working with Rose who will play the part of Frankie."
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“Harry will be a great addition to EastEnders,” a source told The Mirror. “Even though he has no traditional acting experience, his character and charm are more than enough to stand him in good stead on the show.
“And with him growing up in the real East End, it makes it even better.”
It seems it could be something of a dream come true for family man Harry, who recently revealed he’s long hoped to feature on the show and had even imagined his opening scene.
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“Mick Carter and his regulars are in The Vic,” said Harry. “They’re at the bar and one says, ‘Ere, you heard Redknapp has moved back in the area?’ Another says, ‘Nah, he’s moved to that posh Sandbanks’. Mick then says, ‘Nah, he’s had enough of it. He’s come back’.
“At this point, I come into the pub, they turn around shocked and I say, ‘I’ve moved round the corner’. Mick then says, ‘We’re starting up a little business. A bit of this, bit of that’.”