Denise Van Outen to join EastEnders in guest role


February 2, 2015

Denise Van Outen is set to make a guest appearance on EastEnders. As part of the show's 30th anniversary celebrations, the BBC soap will see the return of old characters as well as the reveal of some new faces.

While the presenter's role has strictly been kept under wraps, show bosses have revealed that Denise's character will send "sparks flying" as she gets close to one of Walford's men.

"It was only a matter of time before Denise Van Outen walked onto the Square," said executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins. "We cannot wait to have Denise join us for a few episodes, where she will definitely make her presence felt."

© Photo: Getty Images

Denise Van Outen's character will send 'sparks flying' with a male Walford resident

The actress and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant, who is well-known for playing Roxie Hart in Chicago on Broadway and London's West End, also shared her excitement. "I've been a fan of the series for years," she said. "2015 marks the show's 30th anniversary, so it feels even more special to be part of this year's celebration."

This is not the first time that the 40-year-old, who used to present The Big Breakfast in the nineties and noughties, has been linked to EastEnders.

Denise was previously said to be joining the cast as a glamorous new landlady for the Queen Vic pub in May 2013. Speaking three years ago, the blonde beauty also said that she wouldn't turn down the opportunity.

© Photo: Getty Images

Denise Van Outen revealed that she been a fan of EastEnders for years

"I'd never rule it out, I'd love to do it and pull a few pints! You never know, if they'd have me," Denise told This Morning.

EastEnders' upcoming 30th anniversary shows, some of which will take the form of live episodes, will focus on the big reveal of who killed Lucy Beale. Characters Ian and Jane Beale will also be celebrating their second wedding, and viewers will be asked beforehand to vote for which song they want to see the couple walk down the aisle to.

Other confirmed actors and actresses who are set to make a special return include John Partridge, who plays Christian Clarke, and Jo Joyner, who will reprise her role as Tanya Branning.

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