They’re bringing two of Albert Square’s best-known characters to Dunmore East and to kick start EastEnders’ spin-off in style, BBC producers have enlisted a string of famous Irish talent.
Veterans Fionnula Flanagan, Maria Doyle Kennedy and Ian McElhinney have signed up to star opposite Shane Richie and Jessie Wallace as their hit characters Alfie and Kat touch down in search of the leopard print loving barmaid’s long lost son in the six-part drama Redwater.
The strong line-up signals a promising start for the production, which is set to begin filming next week and will be broadcast in 2017.
Flanagan is well-known to audiences thanks to her portrayal in in big budget projects including Lost and Star Trek.
Singer and actress Kennedy has featured in Downton Abbey, The Commitments and John Carney’s new film Sing Street, while Ian McElhinney is recognisable for his work in HBO’s TV phenomenon Game of Thrones, Ripper Street and The Fall.
Rounding out the Irish ensemble cast are Shameless star Angeline Ball, Brooklyn’s Peter Campion and The Tunnel’s Stanley Townsend.
Set in the fictional harbour village of Redwater where the Kelly and Dolan families have lived for generations, the programme will see Kat and Alfie Moon arrive in search of her long-lost son.
As the story unfolds, Kat’s quest for the truth uncovers dark secrets of the community.