Pop star and former Chatham schoolboy Lee Ryan will soon join the cast of EastEnders, it has been revealed.

Lee, who was born in Chatham, rose to fame with boyband Blue and also appeared on Big Brother in 2014.

He will play Walford bad boy “Woody” Woodward and is expected to make his first appearance in spring.

“I am so excited to be part of the show,” Lee revealed. “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.”

Executive producer, Sean O’Connor, added that he was “delighted to welcome Lee Ryan to Walford".

He said: “Woody is a man who has 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 some 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 a perfect casting for Albert Square and we knew straight away we wanted him for the role.”

The singer’s Blue band-mate Duncan James has already made the move to soaps and plays Ryan Knight in Hollyoaks.

His performances earned him a nomination as best newcomer at the National Television Awards.