OP Adrian Edmondson (69-75) is set to appear on our screens again later this summer, as he joins the cast of BBC One Soap EastEnders.

Adrian will play the character of Daniel Crook, a new love interest for Jean Slater, played by Gillian Wright.

In an interview for the Express online, the soap’s producers describe Daniel’s character as “charming and with a wicked sense of humour”, adding “he will be the perfect antidote for Jean as she continues her treatment for ovarian cancer.”

EastEnders executive producer Jon Sen said: “Adrian’s a phenomenal talent who will bring his unique blend of intelligence, warmth and humour to the role of Daniel.  We’re all over the moon he’s coming to Walford and can’t wait for his love story to hit screens later this year.”  (Express online).

In a statement in the Express online, Edmondson said: “There were only 15 boys on my drama course at Manchester Uni, and I’ll be the third to appear in EastEnders – so I feel it’s a kind of tradition!  The other two being Tom Watt (Lofty Holloway) and Paul Bradley (Nigel Bates).”

Edmondson has many accolades which include comedian, actor, writer, musician, television presenter and director.   He first made his name on the alternative comedy scene  in the 1980s with The Comic Strip Presents and then went on to wider fame in the  TV series The Young Ones (1982-84) and  Bottom (1991-95), which he co-wrote with the late Rik Mayall.  More recently, he has taken on more series acting roles, in the likes of Holby City, Bancroft, War and Peace, as well as fronting a series about the Yorkshire Dales for ITV and taking the Celebrity Masterchef crown in 2013!