‘Bad Girls’ legend Simone Lahbib has joined the cast of ‘EastEnders’.
The 55-year-old actress – who played G-wing governor Helen Stewart in the prison drama – has admitted she is looking forward to "a bit of a ‘Bad Girls’ reunion" as she is to share a set with her former co-stars Linda Henry (Shirley Carter), Luisa Bradshaw-White (Tina Carter) and Kellie Bright (Lind Carter), who played ‘Bad Girls’ characters Yvonne Atkins, Lorna Rose, and Cassie Tyler respectively.
Simone said: "I’m thrilled to be joining ‘EastEnders’.
"I can’t say too much about who I am playing just yet, but it’s fair to say that she is set to have a lasting impact on the Carters and will test their strength as a family.
"It’s also been lovely to be reunited with Linda, Luisa and Kellie – it’s been a bit of a ‘Bad Girls’ reunion."
Simone – who played Downton Abbey’s Wilkins in 2012 – looks set to work alongside Danny Dyer as her storyline is to have an "important" impact on his character Mick Carter.
EastEnders’ executive producer Jon Sen said: "We’re delighted to welcome Simone to Walford. Her character’s links to the Carter family will form part of an important new storyline for Mick in particular.
"It’s a story that we look forward to sharing with the audience – with its impact on the Carters set to be everlasting."
It’s not yet known if Simone’s character will have any run-ins with Linda’s alter-ego Shirley, but the pair were no strangers to on-screen clashes as their ‘Bad Girls’ characters Helen and no-nonsense hitman-hiring Yvonne.
In the classic series, Luisa’s character Lorna was one of the Larkhall prison guards, on Helen’s side of the law, whereas Kellie’s alter-ego Cassie was an inmate who was eventually pardoned after saving prison governor Neil Grayling from a fire at the jail.