EastEnders announces new cast members including Holby City star
Zoe Slater's long lost son Josh is heading to EastEnders along with his adopted mother.
Joshua Vaughan and Dawn Steele are joining EastEnders as Zoe Slater's long lost son and his adopted mother.
The two actors are coming to Walford as part of a gripping new storyline, as "rising star talent" Joshua arrives with the former Holby City and Wild At Heart veteran.
Joshua, whose will play his namesake Josh, said in a statement: "It has been incredibly humbling to join the cast of EastEnders and find myself at the intersection of the iconic Trueman and Slater families. "Getting to work alongside such legacy actors is a masterclass, and I’ve learned so much from them.
"Josh is a big ball of love and I’m so excited for the audience to see the drama unfold as he arrives onto the Square."
Dawn, who has been cast as Sandra Goodwin, added: "I was thrilled to be asked to play the role of Sandra who arrives and throws a spanner or two into the Square!
"It was so great to go back to Elstree after the end of Holby City. Lots of the same crew (and a few cast!) are still there so it was joyful to see them all again.
"Everyone was so welcoming and I really enjoyed learning new ways of filming, it really is a well-oiled machine, and everyone works so hard.
"But it was Sandra’s storyline and character that really made me want to do it and I’m sure viewers will be thrilled with another piece of the puzzle ahead of the trial, Sandra’s timing couldn’t be better, or worse…”
Sandra turns up wanting answers about Josh's twin sister Jasmine, which unveils new details about the character's past, as well as Sandra's own version of events.
Meanwhile, Josh - unbeknownst to his adopted mother - has followed her to Albert Square, without realised his birth family are close by.
Executive Producer Ben Wadey commented: "I’m thrilled to welcome Dawn Steele and Josh Vaughan to EastEnders as they step into the roles of Sandra and Josh Goodwin.
"Since her return last year, Zoe has searched for her long‑lost son, and we’re excited to finally add the missing pieces to her story. "As always with the Slaters and Truemans, nothing is ever straightforward, and the arrival of Sandra and Josh promises even more drama for Walford at a pivotal moment as Jasmine’s trial begins."
