Eastenders has cast hunky The Witcher and Emmerdale actor Aidan O’Callaghan in an upcoming plot involving Walford regular Ben Mitchell.
Aidan will play the role of Lewis, who first arrives in Albert Square later this month after landing the manager’s job at The Prince Albert.
The character soon befriends Ben and they enjoy a night out on the town before Lewis is later harassed by a homophobic gang.
The incident then results in Ben beating one of the thugs unconscious.
It is not yet known how long Aidan’s character will be hanging around Walford but it is believed EastEnders bosses want to feature The Prince Albert more in episodes.
The Irish actor is no stranger to soap life, having appeared in Emmerdale as Mike in 2018.
He is also set to appear alongside Hollywood actress Michelle Yeoh and legendary comic actor Lenny Henry in the new prequel series to The Witcher.
He previously starred in Sky drama Wolfe and popular thriller The Rook.
Meanwhile, The Prince Albert has been home to many businesses over the years – including beauty salons Roxy’s and Booty.
It is currently a gay bar, owned by Kathy Beale. She bought the lease in 2019 after cashing in a £100,000 necklace.
However, the night spot has had little airtime since Mila Marwa, played by Ruhtxjiaïh Bellenea, was written out of the soap.
Mila ran The Prince Albert but left Walford earlier this year following a harrowing storyline about Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
At the time, a source told The Sun: “[The actress] was brought into the soap last year to be part of a very important FGM storyline.
“Her character’s time has run its course so it’s time for her to move on.”
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