Scott Maslen will soon be arriving in the square as Jack Branning, although quite what relation he is to the rest of the family remains to be seen (another of Jim’s sons?). Eastenders have poached the actor from ITV’s The Bill, in which Scott played DS Phil Hunter. The new Branning addition will be a ‘Romeo ex-copper’, and will bed a string of women. Remind anyone of Dennis and Sean? Still, new eye candy is always welcome, even if it does sound as if he will be playing the same character as he did in The Bill!

Meanwhile, it seems that the Wicks family will soon be gone (well three of them anyway). Phil Daniels (Kevin Wicks) decided to quit the show, which prompted executives to axe on screen children Matt Di Angelo (Deano) and Kellie Shirley (Carly). They were reportedly shocked at the news; you have to wonder whether Phil Daniels will still be on their Christmas card list! The three will be leaving the show by the New Year, although rumour has it that Deano will be leaving earlier due to Matt Di Angelo’s involvement in Strictly Come Dancing. Diane Parish (Denise) is also set to leave at the same time, but will return to the show after maternity leave.