Whilst the folks of Albert Square are picking up the pieces of a hellish few weeks (though, when is it ever a day of sunshines and smiles?) they are unknown to the fact they will be bumping into a new couple in the Minute Mart very soon.
Introducing Joyce and Ted Murray, a married couple who have been married almost 60 years. The Beeb seemingly want to quash any speculation that EastEnders is turning into Waterloo Road...
There are only two things you need to know about Joyce and Ted.
- If you didn't guess already and thought, 'hmm they look familiar, did I see them at my mother in law's bbq last year?' is because they have an impressive acting CV. Maggie Steed, 70, who plays Joyce Murray was also in Born and Bred, Pie In The Sky and Chewing Gum.
Ted Murray is played by Christopher Timothy, 76, who has starred in Doctors and All Creatures Great And Small
- They are already pals with Dot Cotton! Which is telly speak for - they've made it!
Maggie Steed said in a statement, 'I am very much looking forward to having Christopher as my on-screen husband, he is a terrific actor,” Maggie (whose TV credits include Pie in the Sky, New Tricks, and French and Saunders) said in a statement ahead of joining the show.'
'We’re going to have lots of fun. I’m incredibly excited to be joining what is such a well-established show.'
Christopher Timmothy echoed the touching sentiment and said, 'The most exciting thing about joining EastEnders is not only that I’ll be back on the television, but I’ll also be working with Maggie.'
'I have admired her for a long time. She is one of my favourite actresses.'
He added, 'Filming not just our first scenes but our first episode together will be like first night in the theatre – very exciting indeed.'
Executive Sean O'Connor told the Belfast Telegraph: 'The Murrays are a breath of fresh air to Walford, having achieved a long-standing marriage.'
'But it's not long before echoes of the past catch up with them.'
'I'm very excited to see what these wonderful performers - and these fascinating characters - bring to Albert Square.'
Two new characters with a 'past', is enough to get us in our pyjamas, curling up with tube of Salt and Vinegar Pringles on a weekday evening. We can't wait!
Are you excited for Ted and Joyce Murray to join the Square? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.
Now read: