Denise Welch is joining the cast of EastEnders, the actress has revealed.
The former Coronation Street star and Loose Women panellist, 57, will appear as Alison Slater, mum to transgender character Kyle (Riley Carter Millington).
She told The Mirror that she was “thrilled” to be taking on the powerful role.
She said: “I’m thrilled to be part of such an iconic show. I have friends in the cast and can’t wait to start.
Denise Welch joins EastEnders as Alison Slater, mother of Kyle
“It’s a short stint but such a powerful role and I’m thrilled to be taking it on.”
A source said: “Denise will star in a few episodes that see a lot of focus on her character, who is a lot less glittery than Denise, with mousy brown hair.
“Alison is finding it difficult to accept her daughter is now her son and the storyline will follow her meeting Kyle for the first time. It will deal with very sensitive issues.”
Kyle and Stacey getting to know each other in Albert Square (BBC Pictures)
EastEnders fans have just seen Kyle reveal to his half-sister Stacey Branning (Lacey Turner) he used to be Sarah, that his mum couldn't handle his sexuality and that one of his sisters had him so badly beaten for being transgender that he ended up in hospital.
So it sounds like Kyle's bringing yet more trouble to Stacey's doostep!
Denise starred as Natalie Horrocks in Coronation Street from 1997 to 2000.
Denise won Celebrity Big Brother in 2012 (Ian West/PA Wire)
Since then she has been in Waterloo Road as flirtatious French teacher Steph Haydock, won Celebrity Big Brother in 2012 and appeared in Boy Meets Girl – a BBC2 sitcom about a transgender character.
She has just released her debut novel, If They Could See Me Now.
EastEnders continues on BBC1, Easter Monday, 8.00pm.
