Over the past few days it has been revealed that two West End stars are joining the cast of Eastenders.
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| Photo Credit: Frank Ockenfels |
Star of West End musical Once, Declan Bennett (pictured right), is joining the BBC Soap in the role of Dot Branning's grandson Charlie Cotton. Charlie - Nick's eldest son - will leave Dot shell-shocked by turning up on her doorstep unexpectedly later this year. He will begin filming at EastEnders later this month and appear on screen from March.
Newcomer Charlie is named after his grandfather, but Dot (June Brown) is currently unaware of his existence. Once Charlie is in Walford, viewers will be left to wonder why he has decided to track Dot down after so many years - and whether he has taken after the good or bad members of his family.
Declan said: "I'm delighted to be joining the cast of EastEnders, especially at what seems to be an extremely exciting time for the show. June Brown is not only an incredible actress but has also created one of TV's most iconic characters, so to be working alongside her is a dream come true."
EastEnders' executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins said: "Declan is a genuinely raw, instinctive and intelligent actor. It's tremendously exciting for us to have him join our cast - and the double whammy of him and June Brown working together is going to be electric. With Dot feeling increasingly alone in the world, Charlie's surprise appearance means that she finally has some blood whom she can trust. But should she?"
Declan, who stars as Guy in Once until 8th March 2014, has also played Roger in Rent (US Tour & Broadway), appeared in the ensemble of American Idiot (Broadway) and starred as Guru Dazzle in Boy George’s musical Taboo (West End & UK Tour).
He is also a singer/ songwriter who writes candid pop music for a generation steeped in therapy and conversation. His penchant for sharing deeply honest tales of love and sexuality have won him a diverse and devoted fan base across the UK and America, arousing a relentless desire to listen to his unashamed, engaging lyrics again and again.
©BBC / Linda (Kellie Bright), Lee (Danny-Boy Hatchard) & Mick (Danny Dyer)
EastEnders have also cast Danny-Boy Hatchard, who trained at Arts Ed and last year starred in the 20th anniversary production of Jonathan Harvey's classic play Beautiful Thing, as Lee Carter - the eldest son of recent newcomers Mick (Danny Dyer) and Linda (Kellie Bright).
The Carter family joined the BBC One show at Christmas, taking over the soap's iconic Queen Vic, and will now be complete following Lee's arrival. Lee is described as a "Jack-the lad", who has just returned from serving as a soldier in Afghanistan.
Mick and Linda are delighted to have him home, but soon become frustrated by their son's reluctance to pull his weight around the pub. Lee is an upbeat "tigger-like" character, but his mischievous manner could be hiding something more complicated.
Danny-Boy, who will begin filming on the soap next month, said: "I'm incredibly excited to be a part of EastEnders, a show that my family and I have watched for years. It's an honour to have the chance to share the camera with such talented actors and I can't wait to get cracking and join the Carter family."
EastEnders executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins said: "Julia Crampsie, our casting executive, has found the missing piece of the Carter family puzzle. Danny-Boy has an authenticity and sensitivity that makes him perfect for EastEnders - and the Carter family. Lee Carter is going to pelt into the Square, ruffle some feathers and immediately prove that he's a chip off his father's block. But why is Lee so keen to stay in Walford and not return to the army?"
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