EastEnders newbie Martha Cope arrives on set for first time ahead of Albert Square debut

EastEnders fans will soon welcome a new character to the show in the name of Sandy Gibson, played by actress Martha Cope.

The actress arrived on set for the first time on Thursday as she looked forward to making her debut on the hit BBC soap.

Martha, 51, looked relaxed and raring to go as she turned up to get a taste of the iconic Albert Square set for the first time.

Rocking a green denim jacket, grey and white jumper and snazzy gold trainers, former Holby City and Doctor Who actress Martha headed to filming for her first day on set.

And sporting a trendy leopard-print rucksack, the actress strolled to work with Apple earphones in as she listened to music on the route.

Sandy is existing resident Dotty Cotton’s mum in the long-running soap and, understandably, Martha wants to impress on the iconic show.

Actress Martha is excited about played character Sandy Gibson (BBC)

Speaking out about her new role, Martha said: “I have watched EastEnders since it began and I’m beyond excited to join such an iconic show and having a great time playing Sandy.”

Last month it was revealed that Martha was set to join the cast this autumn.

But it is not the first time an actress has played Sandy in the soap.

Actress Caroline Pegg played her in 2010, with the character reprised over a decade later.

Character Sandy is estranged mum to Dotty Cotton (BBC)

Sandy initially kept the truth about her child from the father Nick Cotton, after she fell pregnant with Dotty – now played by actress Milly Zero.

Over the years, Sandy and her daughter have had a rocky relationship.

But she is back and is returning to Albert Square with plenty of unfinished business to attend to, namely building a relationship with her daughter.

Dotty returned to EastEnders two years ago and has become one of the show’s most popular characters.

And now Martha’s arrival as Sandy has given the soap a whole new dimension.

EastEnders Executive Producer Jon Sen boasted: “Martha is a brilliant addition to our cast – we’re excited to welcome her to Walford.

"To say Sandy has a chequered past is an understatement and it’s no secret that Dotty’s upbringing was marred by her parents.

"Sandy’s arrival catches Dotty off guard and she’ll be forced to confront everything she’s tried to leave behind.”