Christopher Ellison joins 'EastEnders'

Actor Christopher Ellison has joined the cast of EastEnders.

The 60-year-old actor - who is most famous for his role as DCI Frank Burnside in The Bill - is to play ladies' man Len Harker, whose smooth-talking ways sweep Pat Evans (Pam St Clement) off her feet when they meet after Pat's car breaks down during their holidays on the south coast.

An insider told The Sun: "Pat has been without any romance since her spot of slap and tickle with Patrick.

"She’s a hard woman and normally frightens blokes off, but Len is hooked. Let’s hope this fling has a happier ending than she’s had with any of her previous partners."

Of his role, Ellison said: “I’m very excited.”

Executive producer Diederick Santer added: "I’ve been a massive fan of Christopher since he played Burnside so I’m really chuffed to have got him on board."

Ellison’s first scenes will transmit in August and his character will appear in at least four episodes.