EastEnders has announced that Penny Branning is returning to Walford after 15 years living abroad, with a rising star cast in the role.
Penny, the long-lost daughter of Jack Branning (Scott Maslen), has been been living in France with her mum Selina, and has always had a fractured relationship with her father.
She will be returning back to Albert Square along with her cousin Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa), Jack's niece, and the pair are sure to cause a stir among the residents.
Rising star Kitty Castledine has been cast as Penny in her first major television role after graduating from the London Academy of Music and Drama (LAMDA) in the summer.
Speaking of joining the show, Kitty said: "I didn’t expect to start my EastEnders journey so soon out of drama school – I can’t actually believe it!
"My whole family are EastEnders fans, and I remember sitting on my Nanny Kay’s lap to tune in, and now they get to watch me in Albert Square.
"The inclusion of disabled talent on screen is so important to me as a wheelchair user, so I’m thrilled to be playing a character as feisty and cool as Penny.
"She’s thrown into the middle of the drama straight away, and I can’t wait to see what she gets up to."
EastEnders executive producer Chris Clenshaw said: "It’s been a long time since Penny Branning was in Walford, and she’s a very different person from the one our viewers might remember.
"Kitty is a terrific addition to the show, and we’re looking forward to seeing Penny back in Albert Square."
EastEnders airs on RTÉ One, RTÉ Player and BBC One Monday to Thursday.
