Paul (Jonny Labey)

[Perdita]

EastEnders bosses have announced that Les and Pam Coker's grandson Paul will be joining the show this summer.

TV newcomer Jonny Labey has been cast in the role of Paul, who will make his first appearance on the Walford soap in June.

Jonny Labey as Paul Coker in EastEnders
© BBC
Jonny Labey as Paul Coker

Billed as fun, honest and always the centre of attention, Paul heads to Albert Square to join his family after spending two years abroad as a club rep.

The new arrival's natural confidence comes from knowing and being comfortable with exactly who he is, and viewers can expect him to quickly receive romantic attention from one resident in particular.

Speaking of his casting, Labey commented: "I am overjoyed to have been given the role of Paul Coker and am thrilled to be joining the show at such a prevalent time as it marks its 30th anniversary.

"I know I've got a lot of work to do to live up to the talent I shall be working with, but I have never felt more welcome and cannot wait to get started."

EastEnders' executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins added: "Jonny's a sensitive, clever and intuitive actor and has fitted in to his new Walford family with ease. We're all looking forward to seeing the trouble that Paul will cause for his grandparents as he uncovers some secrets from the past and sets one heart in particular racing."

Funeral director Les (Roger Sloman) and flower seller Pam (Lin Blakley) became EastEnders regulars last April.

[tammyy2j]

So is it his father who is dead?

[lizann]

a new love for ben and abi if twitter buzz is true

[Perdita]

EastEnders newcomer Paul Coker is to become a new love interest for Ben Mitchell.

Show bosses have teased a relationship between the pair in a new summer trailer for the BBC soap, which sees them sharing a kiss.

Ben Mitchell and Paul Coker kiss
© BBC
Ben and Paul kiss

Paul is the grandson of established regulars Les and Pam Coker. Jonny Labey will be playing the character, who arrives on screen for the first time early next month.

Viewers will see Paul head to Albert Square to join his family after spending two years abroad as a club rep. Naturally confident and comfortable with exactly who he is, will Paul be prepared to keep his romance with secretive Ben (Harry Reid) under wraps?

The promo also offers a first look at the drama ahead for the Masood family, who will soon be rocked by the revelation of Shabnam's secret child.

In another twist, Shabnam will get engaged to Kush Kazemi later this month, but does she have something to worry about when her friend Stacey Branning starts holding a torch for him?

Bonnie Langford's arrival as Kush's mother Carmel also features in the trailer, along with Kat and Alfie Moon's temporary exit scenes.

[LostVoodoo]

I don't get why anyone would fancy Ben - he's not a bad boy, he's just odd!

[sarah c]

he's a bit pale for someone who has been a holiday rep for two years?

unless it was in Iceland?

[Perdita]

He might burn easily so had keep covered up

[sarah c]

he also looks as if he's slept in those clothes??!!

[Kissinger]

he's a bit pale for someone who has been a holiday rep for two years?

unless it was in Iceland?

ah but they are sooooooo busy they don't have time to get tanned!

[Kissinger]

he's a bit pale for someone who has been a holiday rep for two years?

unless it was in Iceland?

ah but they are sooooooo busy they don't have time to get tanned!