EastEnders share first look at Patsy Kensit's debut as Lola's mum

Patsy Kensit has officially arrived on EastEnders' Albert Square and is set to cause trouble as Lola Pearce's never-before seen mum.

Kensit's character, Emma Harding, disappeared from Lola's (Danielle Harold) life when she was just three years old, but is set to appear on the Square early in the new year.

Her arrival couldn't come at a worse time for poor Lola, who has been diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour and now faces an uncertain future.

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Will Emma give Lola the closure and support she desperately needs, or is there something else that's drawn her to Walford?

While the BBC is keeping these answers close to its chest, it's a promise that — like most things in soapland —everything is not as it seems and there could be more to Emma than we give her credit for.

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This is not the first time Kensit has appeared in a soap previously starring as Sadie King in Emmerdale and Faye Morton in the now-defunct Holby City.

Watch: Coming up on EastEnders

The actress has already started filming, with her first scenes set to air next month.

But those excited to see her in Albert Square better not get too attached, as it's been confirmed Kensit will only be around for 'a short stint'.

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EastEnders' executive producer, Chris Clenshaw, teased of the character: “We’re delighted to welcome the wonderfully talented Patsy to the EastEnders family. She’s the perfect fit to take on the role of such a long-awaited character that we know very little about."

The show boss says Emma is "softly spoken and measured" and in many ways the total opposite of her long lost daughter.

However, there’s still some similarities; she's successful, has the capacity to hold her own – and if she says she’ll do something, she’ll do it.

"She’s a fighter, just like Lola," he added.