EastEnders has revealed that S Club 7 star Hannah Spearritt is joining the cast of the popular BBC soap. The former pop star, 36, will appear on Albert Square later this year as a member of the Taylor family, playing Karen's younger sister Kandice. "I'm over the moon to be joining the show, it's such a huge part of British telly," the singer-turned-actress revealed via The Sun. "I'm really looking forward to getting started and I can't wait to see the Square in the flesh. Walford here I come." Hannah's signing is the latest casting decision by new EastEnders show boss John Yorke, who replaced Sean O'Connor in June.
S Club 7 singer Hannah Spearritt is joining EastEnders
SPOILER! This iconic EastEnders character is returning to Walford
The British star propelled to fame as a member of S Club 7 in the late nineties. Since the band disembarked, Hannah has carved a career in the television world, starring in shows like Primeval, Death I Paradise and Casualty. A source told The Sun: "Producers are excited about casting Hannah in the show and if she proves popular she could be back as a more permanent fixture." Fans were quick to share their excitement, with one tweeting: "Great news Hannah! I might just start watching again!" Another wrote: "Congratulations Han, can’t wait to see you in your new role."
Has Jane Beale left EastEnders for good? Find out here
The announcement comes shortly after it was revealed that an old face would be making a return to Walford - the ferocious Melanie Owen, played by Tamzin Outhwaite. Of her return to EastEnders, the actress said: "When I got the call from John [Yorke] asking if I would consider coming back to EastEnders, it was something I just couldn’t refuse. John created Mel’s most memorable storylines so it is an honour that he has asked me to return." She added: "EastEnders is in my DNA and I always knew deep down that someday I would revisit Mel; she is a strong independent woman with lots more stories to tell. To be stepping back into Mel’s shoes nearly twenty years after I first started feels just perfect."