Rag'n'Bone Man brings some star power to EastEnders this week, when he performs for Albert Square residents.
The musician, real name Rory Charles Graham, performs as a wedding gift to Janine Butcher and Mick Carter on Friday's episode, ahead of an explosive turn of events this Christmas – as Janine's manipulative ways are uncovered.
After bumping into Rag'n'Bone Man in the Queen Vic, Rocky persuades him to perform at the carol concert fundraiser in the famous square.
Speaking about appearing in the soap, the singer said: “In the words of Gabrielle 'dreams can come true' Thanks to everyone at EastEnders for one of the best days of my life!”
Chris Clenshaw, executive producer, said they have always known the musician is a huge EastEnders fan.
He said: "When an opportunity came up in one of our stories it was the perfect moment for us to ask him to not only appear, but also perform in Albert Square. We are all thrilled that he said yes, and we hope the audience enjoy the special Christmas treat, as much as much as everyone at EastEnders enjoyed having Rag‘n’Bone Man in Walford.”
This Christmas will see Charlie Brooks and Danny Dyer, who play Janine and Mick, leave the soap, after months of wrong-doing by a now-pregnant Janine, including framing Mick's ex-wife Linda for a drunken car crash, and making a beeline for the pub landlord.
Kellie Bright, who plays Linda, confirmed the evil Janine would be back in full force and hinted Janine will have one last twist in her tale, as Mick's mum Shirley rumbles her secret and all hell breaks loose in the Queen Vic.
Speaking about working with Charlie, Kellie said: "My favourite part of the scene was watching Charlie Brooks play Janine in that moment. The Janine that comes out in this scene is the one we all love to hate."
She explained that there was a change for Mick when he found out Janine was pregnant.
Kellie shared: "Linda's world has crumbled, it’s in tatters, but I think she’s resigned to it. From the moment she knew Mick and Janine were having a baby together, that was it because Linda knew Mick was never going to walk away from a child.
"The baby changes everything no matter what she thinks or says about Janine. Before the wedding, Linda had already let Mick go, but there is a shock and finality of Janine being the new Mrs Carter. That’s what Linda has always been, so it’s another turn of the knife."
Viewers will also see Janine invite Linda and Shirley to Christmas dinner, but has an ulterior motive and is trying to keep them away from Jada who knows all about what she did in the summer as she framed Linda for the car crash.
Whatever happens this Christmas, EastEnders are keeping their cards very close to their chest. All that's been promised so far is that the exit will be 'explosive' and whatever happens, it'll be Mick's last day in Walford.
