EastEnders has pulled out all the stops for an upcoming storyline and cast a genuine Hollywood star to play a brand new villain.
The BBC One soap has signed up actor Patrick Bergin, best known for roles in Sleeping With The Enemy and Robin Hood, to star as Aidan Maguire.
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Aidan is one of Phil Mitchell’s old pals from prison and has been described as a “charismatic old school villain” – so you know that means drama!
He’ll be introduced later in the year after Aidan rocks up to Phil’s doorstep out of the blue to renew the friendship that started behind bars and no doubt cause plenty of trouble.
Bosses are keeping tight-lipped on just what mischief Aidan will get up to in Walford – or how he may drag Phil into his devious schemes.
But viewers have been promised a “truly explosive storyline” involving Aidan, Phil and Mick Carter to run over the Christmas and New Year season.
Reacting to his casting, Irish actor Patrick, 66, said: “I am delighted to be joining EastEnders as I have watched and admired it since the days of Dirty Den.
“It is an iconic show that has the ability to shape the way people think, whilst also telling big explosive stories that keep the audience gripped.
“I am really looking forward to seeing what they have in store for Aidan as it’s bound to be dramatic.”
Patrick will begin filming later this month.
The Dublin-born actor is best known for playing Julia Roberts’ rather scary husband in Sleeping With The Enemy, as well the title role in a TV adaptation of Robin Hood in 1991.
He also starred opposite Harrison Ford in the 1992 action flick Patriot Games and has more than 100 acting credits to his name on IMDB.
The soap’s creative director John Yorke added: “EastEnders deserves the very best and in Patrick we are absolutely privileged to have a truly great actor join the show.
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“It’s a huge honour to have him on board, where he’ll be working hand in hand with Phil Mitchell and Mick Carter to carry a truly explosive storyline for Christmas and New Year.
“We can’t wait to get started.”
Exciting!
There’s no such thing as a quiet Christmas in Albert Square, is there?