So Lee returns back from Afghanistan

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EastEnders has cast Danny-Boy Hatchard as Lee Carter - the eldest son of recent newcomers Mick (Danny Dyer) and Linda (Kellie Bright). The Carter family joined the BBC One show at Christmas, taking over the soap's iconic Queen Vic, but will now be complete following Lee's arrival. Lee is described as a "Jack-the lad", who has just returned from serving as a soldier in Afghanistan.

Mick and Linda are delighted to have him home, but soon become frustrated by their son's reluctance to pull his weight around the pub. Lee is an upbeat "tigger-like" character, but his mischievous manner could be hiding something more complicated.

Hatchard said of his new role: "I'm incredibly excited to be a part of EastEnders, a show that my family and I have watched for years. "It's an honour to have the chance to share the camera with such talented actors and I can't wait to get cracking and join the Carter family."

The 22-year-old, who has just finished a stint in the 20th anniversary revival of Jonathan Harvey's Beautiful Thing in the West End, will begin filming on the soap next month.

EastEnders executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins said: "Julia Crampsie, our casting executive, has found the missing piece of the Carter family puzzle.

"Danny-Boy has an authenticity and sensitivity that makes him perfect for EastEnders - and the Carter family.

"Lee Carter is going to pelt into the Square, ruffle some feathers and immediately prove that he's a chip off his father's block. But why is Lee so keen to stay in Walford and not return to the army?"

Digital Spy

So that brings the total to 9 - Shirley, Tina, Mick, Linda, Johnny, Nancy, Lee, Dean(o), Aunt Babe & Stan Carter

this time it's not a new Carter member, it's Dot's grandson Charlie!


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EastEnders bosses have cast Declan Bennett in the role of Dot Branning's grandson Charlie Cotton.

Charlie - Nick's eldest son - will leave Dot shellshocked by turning up on her doorstep unexpectedly later this year.

Newcomer Charlie is named after his grandfather, but Dot (June Brown) is currently unaware of his existence.

Once Charlie is in Walford, viewers will be left to wonder why he has decided to track Dot down after so many years - and whether he has taken after the good or bad members of his family.

Speaking of his new part, Bennett commented: "I'm delighted to be joining the cast of EastEnders, especially at what seems to be an extremely exciting time for the show. June Brown is not only an incredible actress but has also created one of TV's most iconic characters, so to be working alongside her is a dream come true."

EastEnders' executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins added: "Declan is a genuinely raw, instinctive and intelligent actor. It's tremendously exciting for us to have him join our cast - and the double whammy of him and June Brown working together is going to be electric.

"With Dot feeling increasingly alone in the world, Charlie's surprise appearance means that she finally has some blood whom she can trust. But should she?"

Bennett is currently playing the lead role of Guy in the musical Once at the Phoenix Theatre in London. He will begin filming at EastEnders later this month and appear on screen from March.

Digital Spy