Ashley Chubbs

[Perdita]

EastEnders bosses have confirmed that actor Colin Mace has been cast in the role of Fatboy Chubb's father Ashley.

Mace, who has previously appeared in a number of other TV shows, is understood to have filmed several episodes of the BBC soap and will appear on screen in the spring.

News of Mace's casting - revealed exclusively by EastEnders fansite Walford Web - comes just a few weeks after show bosses announced their plans to introduce the character of Ashley.

Ashley is expected to arrive in Walford when he faces problems in his personal life and decides to pay his son a visit, looking for somewhere to stay. His appearance on screen has been billed as a chance to give viewers an insight into Fatboy's background and upbringing.

An Albert Square source recently said: "Fatboy has been a real hit with viewers and the bosses have decided that it's now time to bring in his dad so people can see what Fatboy is really all about."

Mace's television credits include appearances in Casualty, The Bill and Doctors. He has also starred in a number of theatre productions.

Meanwhile, Ricky Norwood - who plays Fatboy - recently won the 'Best Newcomer' prize at this year's National Television Awards.

[alan45]

Colin Mace

[tammyy2j]

Does Fatboy live on the Square now?

[Siobhan]

Does Fatboy live on the Square now?

He is stay with Mercy and her gran

[Perdita]

EastEnders star Ricky Norwood has revealed that he would like the father-son relationship between Fatboy and Ashley Chubb to be further explored in the future.

Ashley, played by Colin Mace, made his first appearance on screen last month as he arrived in Walford to see Fatboy amid difficulties in his personal life.

However, Ashley will depart the area in next week's episodes after angering Fatboy with the news that he has reported Mercy Olubunmi (Bunmi Mojekwu) to the UK Border Agency for outstaying her visa. He makes the spiteful call after seeing how hurt his son is over Mercy's new romance with Seb.

Speaking to Inside Soap, Norwood explained: "Ashley just thinks [Mercy has] betrayed his son. He believes he's doing the right thing… [But Fatboy's] so upset with Ashley, who leaves Walford at that point."

Norwood added that he has been "learning so much" from Mace, describing him as a "great actor".

He continued: "There's great chemistry between Ashley and Fatboy, so I'm hoping Colin will be back again soon."

Mercy's visa issues lead to Fatboy proposing to her in EastEnders' royal wedding episode at the end of the month, desperate for her to stay in the country.

DS