Former 'EastEnders' star Natalie Cassidy has said that Margaret Tyzack will be "fantastic" in her new role on the soap.
The veteran stage actress has been cast as Janine Malloy's estranged grandmother Lydia Simmonds, who will appear on screen for the first time later this year.
Producers of the soap have confirmed that Lydia has a reputation for nasty behaviour among her neighbours and as such will have something in common with Janine when they are reunited!
As well as starring in numerous BBC TV productions, Tyzack also appeared in two Stanley Kubrick films: '2001: A Space Odyssey' (1968) and 'A Clockwork Orange' (1971).
In her New magazine column, Cassidy wrote: "Margaret Tyzack is joining 'EastEnders' as Janine's evil gran.
"I've seen her in a play before, so I'm sure she'll be fantastic. Although if Janine gets any more evil, I think she'll grow horns!"
The 27-year-old, who played Sonia Fowler on the Walford drama, added that she is looking forward to having a catch-up with her former co-star Patsy Palmer in the weeks ahead.
Palmer gave birth to her fourth child Bertie in December.
Cassidy said: "She sent me a lovely text saying she's doing really well...I hope we get round to meeting up soon."
