Gary Lucy is returning to EastEnders as bankerDanny Pennant as a full-time cast member.
The former star of Footballers' Wives and Hollyoaks made a guest appearance on the show last autumn as the sexy City boy, who had an affair with Syed Masood (Marc Elliot), and destroyed his relationship with partner Christian Clarke (John Partridge).
Gary said: "I'm extremely excited to be joining such a fantastic show - one which my family are huge fans of and I grew up watching. I enjoyed the little taster last September and am looking forward to exploring my character further, seeing what's in store for him and which characters it will involve."
The flirtatious banker was last seen being run out of Walford by Masood after his torrid affair resulted in revenge, arrests and blackmail.
Lorraine Newman, EastEnders executive producer, said: "We are absolutely delighted to reveal that Gary will be returning to EastEnders. He clearly felt at home on the show and his wonderful portrayal of Danny Pennant left us with an intriguing character to explore, it really was only a matter of time before he returned.
"Danny's stories will see him crossing paths with some of our best loved characters and I am sure the audience will relish in the fact that the complex nature of this character means that nothing is ever simple."
Gary will be back on screen in the BBC soap in June.
