Musical theatre star Bonnie Langford is joining the cast of EastEnders to play Carmel Kazemi, Kush’s mother.
Former child star Bonnie, 50, will start filming her scenes this month and will make her first screen appearance in June.
Known for her TV role as Doctor Who’s Mel Bush, as well as her stage roles in Chicago and Cats, Bonnie said: “I’m so thrilled and delighted to be part of EastEnders.
“I’m a great fan of the show and think the recent 30th anniversary was sensational and shows just how good British television can be. To be part of this family is an absolute privilege.”
EastEnders boss Dominic Treadwell-Collins described Bonnie as a “British institution”, as well as an “old-school, hard-graft actress, gifted in both comedy and serious drama”.
“Bonnie brings wit, pathos and a touch of class to Carmel Kazemi - a thoroughly modern Essex divorcee, who isn’t quite ready to cut the apron strings firmly attached to her son Kush [Davood Ghadami],” Dominic added.
“Even if it means clashing spectacularly with an already prickly Shabnam [Rakhee Thakrar].”
EastEnders continues on BBC1, Monday, April 6, 8.00pm.
