Daniels (Quodrophenia) will play Kevin Wicks in the soap from early 2006. His character will be a family man in pursuit of his son Deano, played by Matt Di Angelo, who will join the show this December.
The actor said: "I am very happy to be joining the show especially as my mum is a big fan. I'm looking forward to the challenge of doing some quality mainstream TV."
Kate Harwood, executive producer of EastEnders, commented: "Phil Daniels is an extraordinary talent, it is a real coup to have him join the show.
"The Wicks family is going to be a force to be reckoned in Walford next year."
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