One EastEnders star has been given a very special role during the show's 30th anniversary week – Himesh Patel. The actor, who plays quiet and determined Tamwar Masood, will be live tweeting as his character in upcoming episodes.
This will be the first time that a character in a UK soap has interacted in real time with viewers through social media.
Fans of the show will be able to see Tamwar's posts on the official EastEnders Twitter page, as well as its Facebook account.
© Photo: BBCHimesh Patel, who plays Tamwar Masood, will be live tweeting as his character this week
"Tweeting in character is a first for me," said Himesh, who first joined the Albert Square soap in 2007. "But I think I know Tamwar well enough and I'm looking forward to giving the world his unique perspective on things as they unfold."
The main storyline of the soap – who killed Lucy Beale – will be revealed on Thursday 19 February, and perhaps Tamwar will share his thoughts as the mystery unravels.
© Photo: BBCLucy Beale's killer will be revealed on Thursday 19 January
This is the second interactive feature that EastEnders bosses are employing during the show's anniversary week, which kicks off on Tuesday 17 February. Last month it was announced that viewers would be able to choose the music that will play at Ian and Jane Beale's second wedding.
The options available, which were all released in 1985 – the year the soap began – include There Must be An Angel (Playing With My Heart) by Eurythmics, That Ole Devil Called Love by Alison Moyet, The Power Of Love by Jennifer Rush, I Want To Know What Love Is by Foreigner and You're The Inspiration by Chicago.
The wedding episode is set to air on Thursday, the same day when Lucy's killer is revealed.
A BBC statement also said of the show's milestone year: "EastEnders will also be marking this iconic occasion by streaming exclusive, live Facebook Q&A webcasts at Elstree studios following Tuesday and Thursday's episodes which is a first for BBC television."
