'EastEnders' exec excited about David Essex role

EastEnders' executive producer Bryan Kirkwood has revealed that he is looking forward to David Essex's debut on the soap.

In January, it emerged that Essex will appear in the show as Alfie's uncle Eddie Moon.

Speaking after EastEnders had won 'Best Continuing Drama' at the British Academy Television Awards, Kirkwood described Essex as a "legend in his own right".

"He's an absolutely brilliant actor," he said. "I can't wait to see the audience reaction in a couple of weeks when he hits the screen. Joining him shortly afterwards will be his two sons Anthony and Tyler, played by newcomers Matt Lapinskas and Tony Discipline, who are unknowns at this point but I'm hoping the viewers will come to love them."

Jessie Wallace also revealed that she is excited about Essex's role, saying: "He's brilliant. He's still got a twinkle in his eye, he looks great on camera, and he's fantastic to work with."

Lindsey Coulson added: "I went to all his concerts. Don't tell him... I was 14. He was lovely!"

However, Kirkwood explained that he does not expect Essex to be singing on the show, joking: "There's a ban on writers saying, 'And Eddie takes to the mic'."

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