West End legend cast as Kush’s mum

Star of the stage and screen Bonnie Langford is joining the cast of EastEnders.

Bonnie joins the BBC One soap as Carmel Kazemi, Kush’s mother. An Essex girl at heart, overly protective Carmel loves her children but has a tendency to embarrass them. With her outspoken ways, will she be able to win over the residents of Albert Square?

Talking of Bonnie’s arrival, Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Executive Producer said: “Bonnie Langford is a British institution – and an old-school hard-graft actress gifted at both comedy and serious drama. Bonnie brings wit, pathos and a touch of class to Carmel Kazemi – a thoroughly modern Essex divorcee who isn’t quite ready to cut the apron strings firmly attached to her son Kush. Even if it means clashing spectacularly with an already prickly Shabnam.”

Bonnie is best known for her stage roles in Chicago and Cats and on TV for her iconic role of Mel Bush, the Doctor’s assistant in Doctor Who.

Bonnie added: “I’m so thrilled and delighted to be part of EastEnders. I’m a great fan of the show and think the recent 30 Anniversary was sensational and shows just how good British television can be. To be part of this family is an absolute privilege.”

Bonnie will start filming her scenes this month and make her first appearance on-screen in June.