'EastEnders' set for 'sex up'

EastEnders' producers have decided to 'sex up' the show in a bid to boost its flagging ratings.

In all, a total of six new characters are understood to be lined up for Walford over the coming year.

Early indications suggest that one of the first will be new nurse Naomi who was rumoured to be played by Imogen Bailey. DS subsequently revealed that the Aussie model hadn't been approached since casting. It has not yet been confirmed who will assume the role.

Dawn, a long-lost relative of the Miller family, looks to be second in the string of signings, but again, it is not known who will act the part.

Back in April, Joel Beckett - Jake Moon in the BBC soap - also confirmed he would be returning after a short break. Earlier this year, he and his co-star, Jake Maskall (Danny Moon), were sensationally axed after only three months on our screens.

Tony Jordan, the show's leading writer, told The Mirror: "What Albert Square is missing at the moment is some totty, both male and female."

He added: "We're going to up the totty count with some great new characters, six in total. I want to get back to the days when we had girls going out and having a laugh, a bit like we had with Tiffany and Bianca. And they are going to need some blokes to play with."

A spokeswoman commented: "A number of storylines in development will introduce new characters."