All Rise because Blue singer Lee Ryan is joining EastEnders for a short stint as a new bad boy.
It means the band are close to taking over Soapland as Duncan James is currently starring in Hollyoaks and Simon Webbe’s in Scottish soap River City. It’s just Anthony Costa who needs signing up now!
Lee’s character on EastEnders is called ‘Woody’ Woodward. He’s set to be a mysterious man who could bring danger to the Square – and break hearts too.
Speaking of his new role, Lee said:
“I am so excited to be part of the show. Woody is the best role I could have wished to play. He’s a brilliant character and it’s clear he’s been leading a full and colourful life.
“I can’t wait for people to see what he’s like for themselves.
“Everyone at EastEnders has been so welcoming. I know some of the cast already so I’m sure we’re going to have a lot of fun.”
So just what brings this rogue to Walford?
As ever, bosses at the show are keeping details of his arrival a closely guarded secret, so we’re going to have to wait and see just why he turns up – and whether he has connections to anybody in town.
Lee’s better known for his vocal abilities and his controversial comments than his acting skills, but having been a member of Blue since 2000, Lee’s definitely a performer.
Read more: Ronnie and Roxy back from the dead?
Giving us a few more clues about Lee’s part, show executive producer Sean O’Connor said:
“I’m delighted to welcome Lee Ryan to Walford. Woody is a man who’s worked hard and played hard in bars, clubs and pubs around the world and has finally decided to stop wandering and put down some roots.
“He’s going to ruffle a few feathers and obviously break some hearts, so there’s a great deal to look forward to as soon as he bursts onto the Square.
“Lee is perfect casting for Albert Square and we knew straight away we wanted him for the role.”
The reaction to Lee’s new job has been mixed to say the least.
Some fans have taken to Twitter to express their disbelief at the casting:
“Lee Ryan is joining EastEnders – REALLY!!” Sam Long said.
https://twitter.com/manff26/status/832155448371531776
Amy Francis let emojis speak for her with lots of crying with laughter faces at the news.
https://twitter.com/AmyClareFrancis/status/832148070179692545
And Rachel Hawkins was convinced she’d woken up on the wrong day! “Lee Ryan is joining EastEnders? It’s April 1st right?”
Lee Ryan is joining Eastenders? It's April 1st right?
— Rachel Hawkins (@ourrachblogs) February 16, 2017
But there were some who were far more enthusiastic about the idea with Laura Cregan tweeting “Oh my lordy loo, Lee Ryan in EastEnders is possibly the most exciting news I’ve heard for a while”.
And Megan exclaiming she’s “so pumped to hear that Lee Ryan is going to be in EastEnders”.
Oh my lordy loo, Lee Ryan in Eastenders is possibly the most exciting news I've heard for a while 😍😂
— Laura Cregan (@LauraCregan9) February 16, 2017
https://twitter.com/JanoMegan/status/831992904654675968
Many viewers have also begun speculating about what Lee’s purpose in the Square might be. Natasha Louise thinks he will “be Whitney’s new guy” after her husband Lee Carter left her on Valentine’s Day.
Read more: Is this really the last we’ll see of Lee Carter?
So, Lee Ryan to be Whitney's new guy? I say this without reading any articles so Idk could be cousins for all I know. #eastenders
— Natasha Louise (@tashaontv) February 15, 2017
But Crystal thinks things will go in another direction: “Taking a guess. Lee Ryan’s EastEnders character will end up being gay or bi and have something to do with Ben Mitchell or Steven Beale”.
Taking a guess. Lee Ryan's #eastenders character will end up being gay or bi and have something to do with Ben Mitchell or Steven Beale.
— Crystal (@CrystalUK_) February 15, 2017
The possibilities are endless!
Let’s just hope he doesn’t leave us all feeling Blue!