EastEnders has cast Danny-Boy Hatchard as Lee Carter - the eldest son of recent newcomers Mick (Danny Dyer) and Linda (Kellie Bright).
Lee is described as a "Jack-the lad", who has just returned from serving as a soldier in Afghanistan.
Mick and Linda are delighted to have him home, but soon become frustrated by their son's reluctance to pull his weight around the pub.
Lee is an upbeat "tigger-like" character, but his mischievous manner could be hiding something more complicated.
Hatchard said of his new role: "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."
The 22-year-old, who has just finished a stint in the 20th anniversary revival of Jonathan Harvey's Beautiful Thing in the West End, will begin filming on the soap next month.
EastEnders executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins said: "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?"
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2...e-picture.html