EASTENDERS has signed up a huge television star to play a mysterious newcomer with a connection to a fan favourite.

The BBC soap has drafted in actress and impressionist Ronni Ancona for a stint as newcomer Bea years after she took on Walford favourites in her show The Big Impression.

Mysterious Bea will be an old school pal of Linda Carter when she returns to Walford in the coming weeks.

Ronni has already begun filming and will make her debut in the New year.

In scenes that are set to air in the New Year, Linda and Bea come face-to-face at their high school reunion.

However it quickly becomes apparent that they both have different accounts of their time at school.

As Bea settles into Walford, she soon finds herself in the heart of the drama, and whilst little is currently known about her backstory, she is sure to leave a lasting impression on all those she encounters.

On joining the cast of EastEnders, Ronni Ancona said: “I am honoured to have been invited to join the iconic institution that is EastEnders, and to go on this whirlwind of a journey with such an unpredictable, nuanced and complex character as Bea.

“I hope audiences have as much fun watching her as I have had bringing her to life.”

EastEnders Executive Producer Ben Wadey added: “I’m delighted to welcome the immensely talented Ronni Ancona to EastEnders playing the character of Bea.

“Bea’s character is mysterious, and we’re thrilled to have an esteemed actress and comedian like Ronni playing her.”

As well as her BAFTA-winning show The Big Impression, Ronni has starred in Last Tango in Halifax, Penelope, Skins and The Trip.

The soap recently announced that it will be airing a special flashforward episode on New Year’s Day to kick off the new year.

Instead of the episode showing New Year’s Day 2026 – it will instead leap forward a year and give a hint to what is happening on New Year’s Day 2027.

Returning character Max Branning will be central to the episode and the ensuing mysteries.