The BBC has said that Brian Conley's arrival as new EastEnders character Terry will cause "a huge shock" in Albert Square.
Terry Cant is the long-lost father of Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy). The Grimleys and West End star Conley will begin filming next month, with his first scenes airing in the spring.
"As you can imagine, being a Londoner and now being part of EastEnders is such an incredible moment for me," said Conley.
"I know for sure my dad's looking down from above and saying: 'Good on yer son!'
"It was always his favourite programme. So, in so many ways it really is an honour to be part of such an iconic show and to be working with an incredibly talented team on camera and off."
"I cannot wait to order my first pint at The Queen Vic," he added.
EastEnders' executive producer Jon Sen said: "We are delighted to welcome Brian to Albert Square.
"We had been searching for some time but the moment we met Brian, we knew instantly we had found our man.
"Brian's a talented performer whose charm, wit and charisma are exactly the qualities we want for Terry.
"We've got some wonderful stories in store for him and can't wait for the audience to see Brian bring him to life."
EastEnders airs on RTÉ One and BBC One on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
