Bobby Brazier – the son of late Big Brother star Jade Goody – is set to make his acting debut in EastEnders.
The 19-year-old will take on the role of Freddie Slater, 18, the son of Maureen “Little Mo” Slater, and is currently filming scenes scheduled to air this summer.
Freddie was last seen in Walford in 2006 when he and his mother left to start a new life.
He is now returning to Albert Square and although he has “a heart of gold” he can’t help getting himself into “mischief”, show bosses say.
Goody, who died in 2009 aged 27 after being diagnosed with cervical cancer, had Bobby and his brother Freddy, now 17, with fellow reality TV star Jeff Brazier.
She was an EastEnders fan and in 2006 reportedly petitioned two of its stars to talk to their bosses about getting her a part in the soap during a chance meeting at V Festival.
Brazier said: “I’m really excited to be joining the cast of EastEnders – so far it’s been perfect. Everybody has been so beautiful to me and made settling in easier than I could’ve hoped.
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“Stepping into the acting world has always been a vision of mine and doing that with EastEnders as a Slater is a blessing, I’m very grateful.
“Loving every minute of Freddie so far and can’t wait to see what’s in store for him in Walford.”
EastEnders’ executive producer Chris Clenshaw said: “Freddie Slater is a chaotic 18-year-old with a sensitive soul.
“A modern-day lad who’s in touch with his spiritual side. He’s philosophical, accepting, but full of mischief and makes mistakes.
“Bobby is an amazing young addition to the EastEnders cast who brings heart and humility to the role of Freddie Slater and I can’t wait for audiences to get to know him.”
