David Essex joins 'EastEnders'

Singer and film star David Essex is joining the cast of EastEnders.

The seventies pop idol will play the father of new Albert Square resident Honey Edwards, who makes her first appearance on the soap in November.

"David is an extremely gifted and charismatic actor," executive producer Kate Harwood explained. "His character will bring some real sparkle to the Square."

The news follows the announcement that Quodrophenia star Phil Daniels has also signed up for the show.

"They don't come much bigger than David," a source told the Daily Star. "Landing him is a coup, especially so soon after the news about Phil. David still has a very strong fan base in the UK and should prove a boost."

Essex's hits include Rock On and Hold Me Close, and he has also appeared in films such as That'll Be The Day and Stardust.

"Coming from the East End, it will be good to go back there," he said in a statement last night.

David will make his first appearance early next year.