McBusted / Busted star Matt Willis has been confirmed to have been offered a short-term contract on the Eastenders set, playing the role of Stacey Slater/Branning’s boyfriend Luke.

The short stint, which is set to start filming his first scenes this week, also coincides with Slater (Lacey Turner)’s return to Albert Square. Of the new role, Willis said, “I am so thrilled to be a part of such an iconic show. I grew up watching EastEnders so this is really exciting for me!”

Executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins continued: “I’ve always loved Matt and it will be a real treat for viewers to watch him and Lacey together on screen as part of her return to the Square. Luke gives as good as he gets, so is a great foil to Stacey. Pity she’s been lying to him since the day she met him…”