The Carter family continue to make their mark on Albert Square, with Mick and Linda’s eldest son, Lee Carter (Danny Boy Hatchard), joining them at The Vic.

Mick Carter (Danny Dyer) and Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) welcome their son Lee Carter (Danny-Boy Hatchard) to The Vic

A soldier who has been serving in Afghanistan, Jack-the-lad Lee is charming, upbeat and tigger-like. Mick and Linda are thrilled to have him back home, but Lee seems more interested in having a laugh than pulling his weight. Is it time for Lee to grow up, or is his mischievous manner hiding something more complicated?

Lee is played by Danny-Boy Hatchard, who has just finished performing in the acclaimed 20th anniversary revival of Jonathan Harvey’s Beautiful Thing in the West End.

Danny-Boy commented: “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.”

Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Executive Producer added: “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?”

EastEnders continues Tonight at 7.30pm on BBC ONE.