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EastEnders bosses have cast Matt Willis in the role of Stacey Branning's latest boyfriend.

The actor and singer has joined the BBC One soap for a short stint as newcomer Luke and will film his first scenes this week.


Matt Willis outside the ITV Studios
© WENN
Matt Willis

Luke is billed as an ambitious young man who is deeply in love with Stacey (Lacey Turner). He is currently working hard in the city, determined to build a secure life for himself and his family.

While things seem to be going well for Stacey's love life, she hasn't been entirely honest with Luke since they became romantically involved - and it won't be plain sailing for the duo as drama continues to follow Stacey.

Willis commented: "I am so thrilled to be a part of such an iconic show. I grew up watching EastEnders so this is really exciting for me!"

EastEnders' executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins added: "I've always loved Matt and it will be a real treat for viewers to watch him and Lacey together on screen as part of her return to the Square. Luke gives as good as he gets, so is a great foil to Stacey. Pity she's been lying to him since the day she met him…"


Lacey Turner on set at EastEnders
© BBC
Lacey Turner on set at EastEnders

Today's news follows the recent announcement from Lacey Turner that she is reprising her role as Stacey after three years away from the show. Stacey was last seen fleeing the country after Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks) exposed her as the killer of Archie Mitchell.

Willis is best known for being part of pop band Busted, who have recently merged with McFly to form supergroup McBusted.

The 30-year-old's acting history includes roles in television and theatre shows, including Wicked, Footloose, Miss Marple and Casualty. He will also be on screen in ITV's Birds of a Feather revival next year.

Read more: http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2...boyfriend.html