Exclusive: 'Enders execs extend Zöe Lucker's contract

EastEnders newcomer Zöe Lucker has signed a new contract with the BBC soap, Digital Spy can exclusively reveal.

The 36-year-old - who first appeared as glamourous businesswoman Vanessa Gold on Friday evening - initially penned a seven-episode deal, but bosses are said to be so impressed by her performance that they couldn't not ask her to make a more permanent comeback.

Speaking exclusively to Digital Spy, Lucker said: "I've just signed a new contract - It's great, I'm so pleased."

She continued: "Vanessa was brought in to make Max realise that he still loves Tanya, while brightening up his life in the process. By the end of my first seven episodes, Vanessa's presence prompts Max to go and visit Tanya."

Vanessa - who also arrived on the Square with her daughter Jodie - disappears for a few months, before making her return.

Of her comeback story, Lucker insisted: "I genuinely know nothing! But I trust Bryan and the writers so much that I'm really looking forward to it."

On screen, numerous references have been made to Vanessa's husband of 20 years - and father to Jodie - Harry Gold.

A show source said: "It's a classic soap strategy to plant seeds in viewers' minds about a character months before we meet them - you only have to look at what they did with Archie Mitchell. No doubt Harry will find his way to the Square in the hope of learning what Vanessa's been up to."

> Zöe Lucker talks 'EastEnders' return