Denise Welch Lands EastEnders Role As A Member Of The Slater Family

Denise Welch is switching out the cobbles for the square, as the actress has become the latest addition to the cast of EastEnders.

The 57-year-old previously played barmaid Natalie Barnes for three years on Coronation Street but she is now joining one of the BBC soap’s most iconic families.

The former Loose Women panelist will make her debut in the East End of London this spring, playing the role of Alison Slater, the mother of transgender character Kyle.

Copyright [Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock]

Denise shared her delight over her new place on the tele, admitting: “I’m thrilled to be part of such an iconic show. I have friends in the cast and can’t wait to start.

“It’s a short stint but such a powerful role and I’m thrilled to be taking it on.”

Even though she is due to appear on the beloved soap opera for just a short while, a ‘soap insider’ told The Mirror that the mum-of-two could have a longer spell on the Albert Square if her character proves to be popular.

The source divulged: “Denise will star in a few episodes that see a lot of focus on her character.

“Alison is finding it difficult to accept her daughter is now her son and the storyline will follow her meeting Kyle for the first time. It will deal with very sensitive issues.”

Copyright [BBC]

Kyle, the first ever transgender character in the soap’s history, was recently embroiled in a dramatic storyline, in which he was revealed to be Stacey’s half-brother – and now he will have to try and reclaim a relationship with his mother.

Denise should have no trouble getting to grips with the sensitive nature of the storyline as just last year she appeared on Boy Meets Girl, a sitcom centred on the love life of a transwoman.

Speaking about the programme at the time, she revealed to FEMAIL: “We have had so many trans women tell us that it has made them feel more accepted and given them hope of finding love.

“I think the theme was handled with humour and sensitivity. I’m very proud to be part of it.”

Copyright [ITV/REX/Shutterstock]

However, one of the most notable roles for the actress was that of series regular Natalie Barnes on ITV’s rival soap Coronation Street from 1997 until 2000, which made her a familiar face to many.

That said, you might have a hard time recognising Welch, as she has reportedly ditched her usual peroxide crop for a new brunette hairstyle in the BBC1 soap.

Let’s just hope that she gives a hair-raising performance!