EastEnders will add two new regular characters to the cast when Les and Pam Coker open a funeral parlour on Albert Square.

Viewers have already been introduced to Les, played by Roger Sloman, when he organised Pat Butcher's funeral in 2012. More recently, he has aroused suspicion for his involvement in Nick Cotton's funeral arrangements.

Billed as someone who will "not only bury your loved ones, [but] bury your secrets too", Les is driven by money and is not being fully honest with his wife Pam, played by Lin Blakley.

Pam, who will join forces with Les at the funeral parlour, has been billed as a "small woman with a big heart and an even bigger shoulder to cry on".

Her friendliness and warmth will make her a confidante with several of the Walford residents. However, her forgiving nature could be tested if she discovers what her husband is up to.

Speaking about joining EastEnders, Sloman said: "It's hugely rewarding to be working alongside actors who I have a huge admiration for and have been a part of my life for so long.

"It is a thrill to play Les, who has so many different angles and is not a straightforward character. It is also a pleasure to be working alongside Lin Blakley."

Blakley added: "Being part of EastEnders is like going to work and being with another family. I'm really enjoying myself. Working with Roger has been wonderful from the word go, we have a laugh together and I feel like I have known him forever."

Executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins said: "Les and Pam are part of our plans to rejuvenate the show's older generation.

"It's already so exciting to watch the chemistry between Roger and Lin on set, playing characters who have been together for so long, they know each other inside out. Or so they think."