UK acting legend Ray Winston has admitted he is “currently out of work” which has alerted Eastenders bosses who have long been looking towards the lovable Cockney rogue for a starring role in Eastenders. Ray Winston, with his cockney dialect and rugged looks, could be the perfect Cockney villain after the demise of the Mitchell brothers and other so-called London gangsters.

Whether or not Ray Winston would be actively looking for a long-term role in Eastenders remains to be seen but maybe the odd short storyline might suit all parties involved. This will be the latest in a long line of famous actors who have treaded the boards of Albert Square although with his high profile at the moment there is no doubt that Ray Winston would be up there with the best of them.