Richard Blackwood cast as new Albert Square villain in EastEnders.

Actor, stand-up and former pop star Richard Blackwood plays a new role as villian in EastEnders - making his debut during the soap's live anniversary episode.

EastEnders bosses have cast Richard Blackwood to play a new villainous character on the BBC soap.

Blackwood - who once had an eponymous comedy show - will play a villain.

The actor and TV personality will make his first appearance on the show next month, featuring in one of the first live scenes in the highly-anticipated 30th anniversary 'live week'.

For now, the role Blackwood will be playing is not known, however, we are promised of an "explosive" and "thrilling" debut for his new alter ego, who will be shaking up life on Albert Square.

In a statement, Blackwood thanked EastEnders' executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins and the show's casting director Julia Crampsie for trusting him with the role.

He commented: "I wanna thank Dominic and Julia for giving me this amazing opportunity. EastEnders is a show I've grown up watching, so to film on Albert Square is something I'll never get used to! To know my first-ever scene will be a live one hopefully means the team believe in me and I won't let them down!"


Treadwell-Collins added: "Richard Blackwood has always been on our EastEnders wish list - and now the perfect part has come along.

"Richard's an authentic Londoner and a terrific actor, bringing with him warmth, humour and energy which will add so many layers to this 21st century EastEnders villain. The status quo in the Square is about to be well and truly shaken…"

Blackwood had his own comedy show, The Richard Blackwood Show, on Channel 4 between 1999 and 2001, around the same time as he launched his music career.

He later turned to the stage, with roles in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Shrek the Musical in the West End.