EastEnders has announced that the Queen Vic will be under new management this Christmas, as Shirley Carter's brother Mick, played by Danny Dyer, and his family move to Albert Square.
Mick will be accompanied by his wife, Linda (Kellie Bright), and their children.
Danny, 36, said: "I'm so excited about starting a new chapter in my career and I cannot wait to become part of the East End family."
Kellie added: “I'm very excited about joining the show. Not only am I looking forward to working with Danny, but becoming Landlady of The Vic is a real honour.”
EastEnders elaborated that Mick is the baby of the Carter siblings. He has always adored older sister Shirley, who brought him and sister Tina up when their mother walked out on them as children. But Mick and Shirley have been estranged for years due to animosity between Shirley and Mick's wife, Linda.
According to EastEnders, Mick 'loves his missus, his kids, his dog, the monarchy, a bit of Land of Hope and Glory. He's a bloke's bloke who, having spent most of his life surrounded by women, is actually a big softie'.
Linda is the love of Mick’s life and they have been together since they were teenagers. She’s the first to admit she wasn't blessed with brains, but her fluffy candyfloss exterior belies an inner steel. A lioness who will fight tooth and nail for her brood, she can be 'more smother than mother'.
EastEnders' new executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins said: “I’m so excited to have actors of Danny and Kellie’s calibre joining what is an already strong and talented company of actors. Having been together over 20 years, Mick and Linda have a good marriage and an easy shorthand with each other - but can also still fight like teenagers. They will laugh, cry, argue and make up… Much to the embarrassment of their children and the delight of Albert Square’s residents. Mick and Linda still love each other, no matter what life throws at them. And moving from Watford to Walford, life's about to throw them a few curve balls…”
Danny, 36, is a much-loved, versatile actor and presenter whose career has varied from lead roles in films like Human Traffic and The Football Factory to TV shows such as Prime Suspect and Skins.
