[Callum]

EastEnders bosses have cast soap newcomer Danielle Harold to play Billy Mitchell's (Perry Fenwick) granddaughter in a surprise new storyline, Digital Spy can confirm.

In an unexpected twist due to air this summer, Billy and his partner Julie Perkins (Cathy Murphy) are left stunned as they discover they have a granddaughter they never knew existed.

Although the news is initially a shock, the Walford couple ultimately decide to track down their relative and soon find out that she's living in care - an experience they are all too familiar with themselves.

Billy's granddaughter is 15-year-old Lola Pearce, who has a sharp, cocky but likeable attitude.



As she meets her grandparents for the first time, Lola quickly forms a bond with them as she has been deserted by everyone else in her life.

However, as Lola follows the couple back to Walford, whether the rest of the Square's residents will accept her remains to be seen.

Speaking of her casting, Harold commented: "I am so excited to be joining EastEnders. I have watched the show all my life and I never thought that one day I could be in Albert Square.

"It feels strange to be walking round Walford with people I have grown up watching - I still have to pinch myself."

Viewers will see Lola make her screen debut in the coming weeks.

Lots of people already speculating that she will be a similar character to Stacey, only time will tell.

[InOne]

How olds Billy meant to be and when did they have the kid?

[bbfan1991]

I do hope she'll be like the legendary Stacey Slater, a new female leading young character is what the show needs.

A bonus is Perry Fenwick being given some decent material to work with and Billy being given more to do at last.

[Locke.]

Fit.

About time they got some more good looking girls in, there aren't that many in it these days.

[Callum]

Originally Posted by InOne

How olds Billy meant to be and when did they have the kid?

He's in his 50's and he had a son with Julie when they were both in the care home I think.