Christopher Timothy and Maggie Steed join EastEnders cast

Sound the klaxon; there are two new faces moving into Albert Square and we couldn’t be more excited.

Veteran actors Christopher Timothy and Maggie Steed will play new Walford residents Ted and Joyce Murray, a couple who have been married for almost 60 years and are rehoused to the area from a nearby estate.

However, as expected, the couple have their fair share of secrets, which we are sure will be coming to light in the weeks following their much-anticipated arrival.

Although they are new faces, Ted and Joyce will already have a link to Dot Branning, and we’re hoping that this means she will at last have some regular company and friendship from somebody other than Patrick Truman.

Christopher, 76, previously starred in All Creatures Great and Small and is excited for his new role, sharing: “The most exciting thing about joining EastEnders is not only that I’ll be back on the television, but I’ll also be working with Maggie.

“I have admired her for a long time. She is one of my favourite actresses. Filming not just our first scenes but our first episode together will be like first night in the theatre – very exciting indeed.

“And of course, I’m looking forward to meeting all the cast who I’ve been used to seeing on TV over the years.”

Maggie, 70, added: “I am very much looking forward to having Christopher as my on-screen husband – he is a terrific actor. We’re going to have lots of fun. I’m incredibly excited to be joining what is such a well-established show.”

EastEnders’ executive producer, Sean O’Connor, said of their arrival: “I’m delighted to welcome Maggie and Christopher to Albert Square.

“They are both already much-loved by audiences and it’s wonderful to have attracted such esteemed and acclaimed actors to the EastEnders cast.

“The Murrays are a breath of fresh air in Walford having achieved a long-standing marriage. But it’s not long before echoes of the past catch up with them.

“I’m very excited to see what these wonderful performers – and these fascinating characters – bring to Albert Square.”

And we’re certainly excited to see them on our screens too.

Welcome to the EastEnders’ family, Ted and Joyce – here’s hoping they don’t get too swept up in the heartache and misery of Walford…

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