David Essex makes his EastEnders debut on 3rd June

The singer, actor and 1970s heartthrob David Essex  was born and raised in London’s East End, and is now set to appear in a role which has been described as his “charismatic alter-ego”.

This summer he will be extending the Moon clan by joining nephew Alfie (played by Shane Richie) and son Michael as Eddie Moon complete with on-screen sons - actors Matt Lapinskas (Anthony) and Tony Discipline (Tyler) who arrives in Albert Square looking for his father, while older brother Anthony arrives shortly after.

His first appearance on the show will be on Friday, 3rd June.

Essex was on set for some publicity photos prior to filming and said “I've met some of the cast I will be working with who were very friendly and welcoming and I can't wait to start filming. Being an East Ender myself I'm really excited to be joining Albert Square.”

Essex is also due to take his musical All the Fun of the Fair on the road again later this year.  It has already toured once and played at the Garrick Theatre in London’s West End last year.  The new tour starts at the New Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham on 16th September.