EastEnders’ Ray Kelly will cause "shockwaves" for several Albert Square residents when he arrives in Walford.
The serial risk-taker will touch down in east London later this summer, and Sean Mahon – who will play the expert liar – has promised viewers his alter-ego will provoke plenty of drama.
He said: "I’m so happy to join such an incredibly hard-working and talented team and I’m very much looking forward to playing out the drama that inevitably ensues on any given day in Albert Square.
"My character, Ray Kelly is not one to tread lightly and his arrival to the Square will cause shockwaves for many of the residents. It doesn’t get much better than that."
John Yorke, EastEnders’ executive consultant, added: "Sean is both a wonderful actor and a delight to work with.
"His character brings to the show some very big secrets and we can’t wait to watch them explode."
Sean is delighted to have joined the cast of the BBC One soap, and recalls watching the show’s first ever episode on 19 February 1985.
He said: "I remember watching the very first episode of ‘EastEnders back in 1985, little did I think I would be roaming the streets of Walford and hanging out at The Queen Vic all these years later."
Ray is Mel Owne’s (Tamzin Outhwaite) ex and the step-dad of her son Hunter Owen (Charlie Winter), who has mentioned his name on numerous occasions since the pair returned to Walford.
But if Ray is anything like his sister Ciara Maguire (Denise McCormack) – the ex of gangster Aidan Maguire (Patrick Bergin) – then the Albert Square residents could be in real trouble.
EastEnders’ Ray Kelly to cause ‘shockwaves’
