Doctors and Holby City actress Suzette Llewellyn is joining the cast of EastEnders.
Llewellyn will play a character called Sheree, described as a “ball of positivity with a serious zest for life” by the BBC One soap.
Sheree will burst onto Albert Square and make an immediate impression on the other Walford residents, but they should not be fooled by her sunny exterior, underneath which lies a feisty, opinionated woman.
Show bosses are keeping tight-lipped about what viewers will see from Sheree, who will arrive on the arm of Patrick (Rudolph Walker) as the new woman in his life.
Llewellyn is best known for playing Nanette Duval in Holby City and Estelle Vere in Doctors, and she has appeared in rival soaps including Coronation Street and Hollyoaks and the TV mini-series Thirteen.
She has also previously appeared in EastEnders in a minor role as a clerk of the court in several episodes in 2015 and 2016.
Llewellyn said: “I am delighted to be joining the cast of EastEnders and I’m very excited to see what’s in store for Sheree.
“She’s bold, bright and a lot of fun so I can’t wait to see how she settles into Walford.”
EastEnders’ executive producer Jon Sen added: “I’m thrilled to announce that Suzette’s joining the show as Sheree – a force of nature with a big heart who’s never far away from trouble… Fans are in for a treat this summer!”
Llewellyn has started filming and her first appearance in EastEnders will air over the summer.