'EastEnders' reveals first look at Paul Usher – Brookside's Barry Grant – in Albert Square

Brookside Close has officially met Albert Square.

The BBC has revealed the first look at Paul Usher, formerly better known as Brookside bad boy Barry Grant, ahead of his first appearance on EastEnders.

Usher will be playing the role of Danny Hardcastle, who will be butting heads with Steve McFadden’s Phil Mitchell.

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Hardcastle is a former ‘business associate’ of Phil’s, arriving on the Square just after Phil’s return from Spain, bringing with him news about Keanu Taylor that’s set to shock both Karen and Sharon.

Usher’s Barry Grant left a trail of carnage on Brookside, as one of the most prolific – and hated – soap villains of all time.

He was guilty of arson, attempted rape, gang activity, kidnapping, and eventually, murder.

Usher was also the only character to appear in the first episode of the Channel 4 flagship soap in 1982, and also the last in 2003.

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He’ll make his first appearance on the Square later in the Spring, and will star in what’s thought to be a handful of episodes.