[bbfan1991]

EastEnders bosses have cast actor George Layton in the role of Lydia Simmonds's estranged son Norman, Digital Spy can confirm.

In a plot twist airing later this summer, superbitch Janine Malloy (Charlie Brooks) is in for a surprise when Norman arrives as an unexpected guest for her grandmother's funeral.

Although Norman originally intends to leave after the service has taken place, he later decides to stick around in Walford as he is planning to contest his mother's will.

Shortly after Norman's arrival, sparks fly when he bumps into an old face from another lifetime - Pat Evans (Pam St. Clement).

Billed as "hapless, clumsy and unlucky in life", Norman is a lonely and good-hearted man who has a soft spot for Pat. However, whether he will finally get his girl remains to be seen.

Speaking of his EastEnders role, Layton commented: "I am thrilled to be joining such a wonderful cast and crew - Norman is a great part and I'm excited to play him.

"I can't wait to get stuck into life in Albert Square - and hopefully the odd tipple or three in the Queen Vic!"

Layton is best known for his role as junior doctor Paul Collier in Doctor at Large, Doctor in Charge and Doctor in the House, as well as appearances in Minder, BBC drama Sunburn and It Ain't Half Hot, Mum.

EastEnders viewers will see Lydia pass away in tomorrow night's episode of the soap, leaving Janine devastated and feeling more lonely than ever.

[Jords]

Pat? How old is he?

[Kerry]

EE needs a revolving door

[bbfan1991]

Originally Posted by ~Kerry~

EE needs a revolving door

They've needed some strong male characters though, some of the current males are weak and bar a few aren't as strong as the fiesty, complicated females they have so I think it's good personally.

[RichardWells]

I met George Layton back in April in a lift at Heathrow airport.

True story lol.

[Jords]

I dont want the gran to die

[bbfan1991]

Originally Posted by Jords

I dont want the gran to die

Me neither. They had long term with the first actress but she left because of personal reasons, so they recast her then decided to kill Lydia off.

[TomRocksUrSocks]

Originally Posted by bbfan1991

Me neither. They had long term with the first actress but she left because of personal reasons, so they recast her then decided to kill Lydia off.

I think it was always planned that she was to die - it would have been too short notice just to kill her off I think. Maybe the first actress left because she didn't want to be killed off?

[Jords]

Makes no sense Reg but I prefer the new actress!