The comic actor Adrian Edmondson is to join the cast of EastEnders and will make his Albert Square debut “later in the summer”, according to the BBC.
Mr Edmondson, best known for appearing in TV comedies The Young Ones and Bottom, will play the part of Daniel Cook.
The EastEnders Twitter account revealed his character is “charming and with a wicked sense of humour” and will be a love interest for Jean Slater, played by Gillian Wright.
Producers said the character would be “the perfect antidote for Jean as she continues her treatment for ovarian cancer”.
The star said he was delighting to be joining the soap. “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 62-year-old Bradford-born actor began his career as a stand-up comic before finding fame in the BBC sitcom The Young Ones alongside Christopher Ryan, Rik Mayall and Nigel Planer.
He later starred as Eddie Hitler in Bottom, which he created with Mr Mayall.
Mr Edmondson has since had dramatic roles in the likes of Jonathan Creek, Holby City and Miss Austen Regrets, and has presented a series about the Yorkshire Dales on ITV.
He is not the first comedy actor to try his hand at soaps and follows in the footsteps of the likes of Bradley Walsh, Les Dennis and Vic Reeves.
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 added.
