Zöe Lucker talks Max, Jodie and dancing

Mention the name Tanya Turner to any avid TV addict and they'll know exactly who you're talking about.

"Yeah, she was that tarty bitch of a character from Footballers' Wives..."

And a fantastic bitch she was, too.

As most EastEnders fans will know, Zöe Lucker - the actress behind Tanya - joins the BBC soap from Friday evening and quickly becomes embroiled in a no-strings relationship with Max Branning (Jake Wood).

I previewed Zöe's first episodes over the weekend and I have to say that I'm encouraged by that 'something different' she brings.

It's what the soap's been lacking for some time - some light relief from the females.

Click here to read the majority of my interview with Zöe or read on to learn more about Max and Vanessa's relationship and her screen daughter Jodie (Kylie Babbington).

What was it like walking onto the Square for the first time?
"It's such a weird experience. It's one of those things that you watch and you never think you'll ever be there - it's something you think you'll only ever experience through the television. I know everyone always says it, but it's just so much smaller than you expect!"

Do you think Vanessa and Max are compatible?
"Definitely. They get each other and enjoy each other's company. Vanessa's keen to keep it no-strings-attached, though. It's just sex to her. Whether that's true or not, who knows?"

It's not long before you're romping on the desk with him…
"I know! Dirty cow! What's really funny is that it's in the Car Lot! It's so unglamorous. She's there in her fancy attire, getting down and dirty on Max's desk! It's very basic.

"I'd only met Jake once before and then suddenly, we were at it on the desk! Watching him on television for years, I never thought, 'Oh at some point, I'll be snogging him'. It's hilarious."

And Vanessa has a daughter in tow…
"Yeah, she's dropped her daughter Jodie off for an interview in the salon. Vanessa's decided that it's time for her daughter to have a bit of independence, so she's on the lookout for a car for her."

What's their relationship like?
"Despite the obvious age gap, they're like pals. They're the kind of mother and daughter who would go shopping together, wear the same lipstick… they're like girlfriends. You can see a little bit of Saffron in her from Absolutely Fabulous."

What's it like working with Kylie?
"She's gorgeous, sweet and charming. She's a joy to work with and plays the character so well."

Have you kept up your dancing since appearing on Strictly?
"No - but I'll tell you why. I don't know where to go! Where would I go to practice? I can't really go down the local community centre for salsa classes or anything like that! The brilliant thing about Strictly was that I got to dance with James - he's such a gorgeous man and a brilliant dancer. The one-on-one teaching was what I loved the most. I'm terrible in group situations - I've been to one aerobics class in my life and I was terrible. I couldn't keep up! I don't know how to keep it up, apart from trying to dance on my own in my bedroom - which makes me sound really sad!"

Are you looking forward to Zöe Lucker's arrival as Vanessa? Let me know your thoughts on the above using the usual form below!