Hawkins wants Winstone in 'EastEnders'

EastEnders star Charlie G. Hawkins has revealed that he would love to see Ray Winstone join the soap's cast.

Hawkins, who plays Walford's Darren Miller, told PA that the Hackney-born actor would be an impressive signing for the show.

The 18-year-old explained: "I'd love Ray to come in - he's very well known, he's an iconic British actor and he's obviously from London, but whether Ray would want to and would do it is another thing."

Reports have linked Winstone to the BBC programme in the past, most notably in early 2008 when he was tipped to play villainous Archie Mitchell, who was eventually portrayed by Larry Lamb.

On whether fans can expect to see the star in Albert Square, executive producer Diederick Santer said: "He knows where we are."

Winstone recently confirmed that he is taking a break from acting and looking forward to spending more time with his family.