Albert Square’s death list racks up

© BBC

The BBC has revealed TV veteran Roger Sloman (Inside No.9, Shameless, Family Affairs) is to become a permanent fixture of the EastEnders cast, with his character Les Coker opening a new Funeral Parlour on Albert Square. And Les isn’t alone – he’s joined by his busybody wife Pam, played by Lin Blakley (Doctors, Holby City, The Football Factory).

Les was last seen in EastEnders when he organised Pat’s funeral. Now he’s back and already up to his neck in the intrigue surrounding Nick Cotton’s demise. The residents of Walford had better watch out because Les will not only bury your loved ones, he’ll bury your secrets too. We’ve already seen him in deep with mysterious Charlie Cotton but just how far is Les willing to go for money?

Pam’s a small woman with a big heart and an even bigger shoulder to cry on. As well as her duties in the funeral parlour, Pam runs the flower stall on the market.  As a former social worker Pam’s pretty unshockable, which is just as well as her friendliness and warmth will no doubt make her a confidant to many of the our favourite characters. But Les had better beware because her loyalty and willingness to forgive might be tested to the limit if she finds out what her husband is up to…

Roger Sloman said on his addition: “It’s hugely rewarding to be working alongside actors who I have a huge admiration for and have been a part of my life for so long. It is a thrill to play Les who has so many different angles and is not a straight forward character. It is also a pleasure to be working alongside Lin Blakley.”

Lin Blakley commented: “Being part of EastEnders is like going to work and being with another family, I’m really enjoying myself. Working with Roger has been wonderful from the word go, we have a laugh together and I feel like I have known him forever.”

Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Executive Producer added: “Les and Pam are part of our plans to rejuvenate the show’s older generation. It’s already so exciting to watch the chemistry between Roger and Lin on set, playing characters who have been together for so long, they know each other inside out. Or so they think.”

Les and Pam will make their first appearance in Walford this month (April).