'Enders newcomer wants romance plot

EastEnders' new recruit Cathy Murphy has admitted that she is keen for a romance to develop between her character and Walford regular Billy Mitchell.

Last month, it was announced that the actress had signed up for the role of Julie Perkins - a face from Billy's past who is about to turn his world upside down with some surprising revelations.

Speaking to Inside Soap about the duo, Murphy explained: "I'd like to think there's a romantic future for the pair of them. Julie's the female Billy. They're mirror images and really make each other laugh.

"They're really sweet together, though there's nothing going on yet. But if I was watching, I'd think, 'For God's sake, just get it on!'."

She added: "Nothing ever goes smoothly for Billy, does it? You do get the feeling that there's going to be more tragedy. It's certainly not going to go to plan, because people like to see a loser - it makes them feel better about their own lives! And this is two losers together!"

Julie made her first appearance on screen in last night's episode of the BBC soap.