Albert Square
Timothy West will join the cast of Eastenders.
The 79-year-old actor will grace Albert Square in January as retired Billingsgate fishmonger Stan Carter, who arrives in Walford with his sister Aunt Babe - who will be played by Annette Badland - to see his three children Shirley (Linda Henry), Mick (Danny Dyer) and Tina (Luisa Bradshaw-White).
Stan has been lonely since his wife died 30 years ago and is over the moon to have his children back in his life, but it isn't long until the "fluffy old man" starts "manipulating" the Carter clan.
Timothy - who recently did a stint in rival soap 'Coronation Street' - said of his new role: "I am excited to be joining 'EastEnders' for the first time. Stan is a wonderful character and I look forward to seeing what is going to happen to him."
Meanwhile, "no-nonsense" Aunt Babe, who is described as a "bustling busybody with a big heart" is delighted to be back with her family and is determined not to let Stan ruin things again.
Annette explained: "I'm thrilled to be joining the cast of 'EastEnders' as I've always admired the show and everyone involved in it seems so warm-hearted. Aunt Babe is a fabulous and complex woman and I can't wait to get stuck into the role."
Executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins added: "We are reinvigorating EastEnders' older generation with the arrival of Stan and Aunt Babe, who will start to fill in some holes in the dark Carter family history.
"Tim and Annette are national institutions and such gifted, nuanced actors, bringing a real touch of Dickensian magic to the screen. It's an honour to have them join our company."
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