Jack Ryder to join 'The Bill'?

Rex Features

Former EastEnders actor Jack Ryder is to join The Bill, according to a report.

The 26-year-old, who played Jamie Mitchell until 2005, will apparently play a new character called Duane Howe in his first major TV role for several years.

"Jack has been through the mill with the end of his marriage," a source told the Sunday Mirror.

"This is a great opportunity and he's keen to get his teeth stuck into a big project to take the focus off his personal life."

Ryder split with wife Kym Marsh in March after six years.