Essex to be EastEnder

Seventies sex symbol David Essex is set to join the cast of EastEnders in a move that is sure to make the nation's ladies very happy.

15:41 02 October 2005

Seventies sex symbol David Essex is set to join the cast of EastEnders in a move that is sure to make the nation's ladies very happy.

The mop-haired crooner, while famous for his music, also found television fame starring in barge-based drama The River.

The 58-year old will be playing Jack Edwards, described by show insiders as a "colourful character" and the father of another new cast member Honey.

Essex is himself from the East End, he was born in East Ham and is looking forward to going back to his roots on the soap, saying: "Coming from the East End, it will be good to go back there."

EastEnders producers have also signed up Quadrophenia star Phil Daniels for the show, in an attempt to retain viewers ready for when popular stars Shane Ritchie and Nigel Harman leave later in the year.