'Enders confirms Fatboy's dad casting

EastEnders bosses have confirmed that actor Colin Mace has been cast in the role of Fatboy Chubb's father Ashley.

Mace, who has previously appeared in a number of other TV shows, is understood to have filmed several episodes of the BBC soap and will appear on screen in the spring.

News of Mace's casting - revealed exclusively by EastEnders fansite Walford Web - comes just a few weeks after show bosses announced their plans to introduce the character of Ashley.

Ashley is expected to arrive in Walford when he faces problems in his personal life and decides to pay his son a visit, looking for somewhere to stay. His appearance on screen has been billed as a chance to give viewers an insight into Fatboy's background and upbringing.

An Albert Square source recently said: "Fatboy has been a real hit with viewers and the bosses have decided that it's now time to bring in his dad so people can see what Fatboy is really all about."

Mace's television credits include appearances in Casualty, The Bill and Doctors. He has also starred in a number of theatre productions.

Meanwhile, Ricky Norwood, who plays Fatboy, recently won the 'Best Newcomer' prize at this year's National Television Awards.

> Click here to read our EastEnders spoilers