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Singer and actor David Essex will join Albert Square this year, playing Eddie Moon, the charismatic father of Michael and uncle to Alfie, in Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ One's EastEnders.

Eddie is the head of the family and will arrive with his children in tow (currently in casting), heralding a new era for the Moon clan.

However, loveable Eddie wasn't always the family man he is today and his fractured relationship with Michael hints at a past he'd rather forget.

Eddie has turned his life around and has succeeded in making a fresh start, but will Michael stand in the way of his happiness or will the reunion bring them closer together?

David Essex is a successful singer, film, television and theatre actor. He has had international success, singing, writing, recording and producing and has had 23 Top 30 singles in Britain alone. He has also had an extensive career as an actor performing on stage and screen and in 1999 was awarded an OBE in recognition of his services to charity.

David says: "Being an eastender myself I'm really excited to be joining the Square. Eddie Moon is a great character and I can't wait to get to grips with the role and work with such a fantastic cast. I'm really pleased that I've been able to make filming work around my tour dates this time."

Bryan Kirkwood, executive producer of EastEnders, adds: "David Essex is a brilliant signing for EastEnders. He is a unique talent with a legion of fans, and he will bring warmth and charisma to the role of Eddie Moon. His arrival, alongside the return of son Michael, brings a new generation of the Moon family to Walford."

RS