EastEnders newcomer Harriet Thorpe has teased there will be "big consequences" ahead after her character's debut next week on the BBC soap.
Harriet is taking on the role of Linda Carter's mother Elaine, with the role being recast.
Elaine last appeared on the show back in 2017, first appearing with Linda three years earlier in 2014.
She was played by West End actress Maria Friedman at this time, and now Elaine is making a full-time return to the BBC soap.
EastEnders recently confirmed West End and TV actress Harriet was taking on the role, and would be part of a new Walford family called The Knights.
Not only that, but Elaine is the new co-owner of The Vic alongside daughter Linda - and there are consequences ahead for the pair.
Linda has led two other residents on by making them thinking they had a chance to be the new owner.
Nish Panesar and Sharon Watts both wanted to go into business with Linda, but will learn they have been lied to when Elaine arrives next week.
Teasing what happens in the fallout, actress Harriet said: "I think they’re both hugely shocked, with big consequences."
Asked if her arrival will be smooth sailing, she added: "Of course not! There’s always some drama!"
She went on of what Elaine will bring to Walford: "Some laughs, a bit of wit, a bit of wisdom and a strong woman. I don’t think she stirs [up trouble] but whenever there is any, she sorts it out immediately."
Harriet also talked about working alongside Linda actress Kellie Bright, and she said: "She’s absolutely amazing! She’s supportive, funny and we’re very communicative about this wonderful mother-daughter relationship.
"Our job as characters playing a mother and daughter is to irritate the hell out of each other and their relationship can be testing at the best of times."
On filming her first scenes, Harriet added: "It just felt very awe-inspiring, thrilling and exciting to begin to find the breath to put into this character as she enters through the doors and starts her journey on the Square.
"It’s a dream come true! My family originally came from the East End, two generations back, so it’s like coming home. Everyone has been so warm and wonderful, it’s been so fun and creative so far.
"With all the drama and the laughs of the show too, I really couldn’t ask for anything more."
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
