In the same month that Richard Blackwood announced he’d be joining the* EastEnders* cast, Denise Van Outen has gone and got herself a regular table at the Queen Vic too.
That’s right, lovely Denise – who hosted the recent charity event, Gav Aid, in honour of our Deputy Editor Gavin Reeve-Daniels, who sadly lost his battle with pancreatic cancer last year – has bagged herself a part on the smashing BBC soap.
And before you ask – no she hasn’t been on the show before. You’re thinking of Tamsin Outhwaite. (Or maybe that’s just us…)
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EastEnders producers are keeping schtum about what type of character Denise will be playing, but insiders are saying her new character will "send sparks flying through Albert Square" as she romances one of Walford's fellas.
Anyone but Ian Beale. Please not Ian Beale.
Speaking of her casting, Denise said: "I'm really excited to be joining EastEnders, as I've been a fan of the series for years. 2015 marks the show's 30th anniversary, so it feels even more special to be part of this year's celebration."
EastEnders' executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins added: "It was only a matter of time before Denise Van Outen walked onto the Square. We cannot wait to have Denise join us for a few episodes, where she will definitely make her presence felt."
How has she NOT been on EastEnders before?!?!
Lucy Beale murder - the suspects
Who Killed Lucy Beale Suspects

Abi Branning
4/1Click here to bet!*Odds correct at time of publishing
Jane Beale
6/1Click here to bet!*Odds correct at time of publishing

Lauren Branning
20/1Click here to bet!*Odds correct at time of publishing

Peter Beale
14/1Click here to bet!*Odds correct at time of publishing

Bobby Beale
7/1Click here to bet!*Odds correct at time of publishing
Jay Brown
6/1Click here to bet!*Odds correct at time of publishing

Whitney Dean
22/1Click here to bet!*Odds correct at time of publishing

Cindy Beale (Williams)
10/1Click here to bet!*Odds correct at time of publishing

Denise Fox
14/1Click here to bet!*Odds correct at time of publishing

Aleks Shirovs
40/1Click here to bet!*Odds correct at time of publishing

Ian Beale
14/1Click here to bet!*Odds correct at time of publishing

Les Coker
6/1Click here to bet!*Odds correct at time of publishing

Lee Carter
25/1Click here to bet!*Odds correct at time of publishing

Ben Mitchell
20/1Click here to bet!*Odds correct at time of publishing

Nancy Carter
33/1Click here to bet!*Odds correct at time of publishing

Max Branning
16/1Click here to bet!*Odds correct at time of publishing

Nick Cotton
25/1Click here to bet!*Odds correct at time of publishing