'He was a joy to play!' Bridgerton actor to guest star in EastEnders

David Sterne is to guest star in 'EastEnders'.

The 78-year-old actor - who has appeared in 'Bridgerton', 'A Knight’s Tale' and 'The Boat That Rocked' - will portray Harold Martin, the elusive husband of Aunt Sal, who was played by Anna Karen, who passed away in February 2022 aged 85.

David will appear as Harold when the character says goodbye to his late wife Sal at her upcoming funeral, alongside the rest of the Mitchell clan.

He said: "I loved playing Harold as I felt like the storyline was really important in the context of the show and everyone was so wonderful and welcoming.

"The writing was brilliant so he was a joy to play."

Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw added: "Everyone at 'EastEnders' was truly saddened to learn of Anna Karen’s passing, and it was imperative that we gave Aunt Sal the send-off she deserved.

"I’m delighted to welcome David Sterne to the guest role of Aunt Sal’s elusive husband, Harold Martin, as the Mitchell family gather together to say goodbye."

It comes after Hollywood actor Alan Ford was cast as Billy Mitchell’s estranged dad Stevie Mitchell, who will rock up in Walford as the Mitchell family prepare to say goodbye to Sal.

'Snatch' star Alan said: "I feel highly delighted to be playing a character close to my own age in this extremely popular television drama series."

Billy - who is played by Perry Fenwick - grew up in care from the age of 10, after Stevie took sole custody of his brother Charlie.

Stevie and Billy last saw each other off-screen 25 years ago.

Chris added: "It’s an honour to welcome the immensely talented Alan Ford to the cast of 'EastEnders' as he takes on the role of Stevie Mitchell.

"Whilst Billy has been a stalwart in the show for over 25 years, viewers know very little about his complicated childhood and the events that led him to grow up in care.

"Alan arrives in Walford as the Mitchell family prepare to say goodbye to their beloved Aunt Sal but it soon becomes apparent that he is not welcome in the family fold."