Ross Boatman has joined 'EastEnders'.
Ross Boatman
The 'Grantchester' actor will appear in the BBC One soap this summer as Harvey Monroe, the father of Dana (Barbara Smith) - who has already developed a connection with Bobby Beale (Clay Milner Russell) in Walford - and the 57-year-old star feels "truly blessed" to have landed a role in the show.
He said: "Some actors long for all the glamour of the Hollywood hills. Others dream about the bright lights of London’s West End.
"All I ever wanted was jellied eels, Albert Square and cheeky pint at The Queen Vic.
"Words can hardly express how happy and excited I am to be here at last.
"I absolutely love the show and can’t wait to get started. I feel truly blessed."
Harvey is described as a "real family man" who has cared for Dana on his own, so he is fiercely protective of her and will do anything to keep her safe.
Jon Sen, EastEnders' Executive Producer, added: "We can’t wait for Ross to join us in Albert Square as Harvey.
"He’s perfect to play the affable father to Dana who’s over the moon his daughter’s found a match in Bobby but secrets aren’t likely to stay hidden on the Square so Bobby’s attempts at re-invention may well be futile.
"We’re looking forward to Harvey’s arrival, he’ll certainly shake up the Beale family dynamics."
This news comes after Bobby has been lying to Dana, telling her he used to live in New Zealand and that he was in a relationship with Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa), but deciding against telling her he has spent time in prison.