Joining EastEnders was a no-brainer, says Colin Salmon

Colin Salmon's decision to join 'EastEnders' was a "no brainer".

The 60-year-old actor is best known for playing Charles Robinson in three James Bond films - but Colin has now revealed that he didn't hesitate to join the BBC soap because his wife, artist Fiona Hawthorne, has a lung disease.

Colin - who is playing former boxer George Knight on the show - told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "It’s a no-brainer. My wife’s not well so I can’t be far from home.

"I was born in the Mothers’ Hospital, in Clapton Pond, decades ago, and I’m an East Ender and it was a big show for us growing up.

"Everybody I’ve told I’m doing this has got really excited.

"The universe has been really kind and I’m loving it. It’s like a meeting of theatre, film and telly - it’s a different genre. You’ve got to work hard. I like working hard and I’m happy."

Colin also revealed that he's already received a lot of help and advice from 'EastEnders' veteran Steve McFadden, who plays Phil Mitchell.

He shared: "He’s brilliant. His advice was ‘Just get it done. Be ready’. He is the boss. He’s the alpha but he’s there on the sofa, smiling and chatting with everybody. It’s not like he’s distant. So he’s the dude."

Meanwhile, Chris Clenshaw, the executive producer of 'EastEnders', previously described Colin's on-screen character as a "charming rogue".

Chris said in a statement: "The arrival of the Knights brings a new dawn to Albert Square.

"George Knight is a charming rogue and an old-school gent who dotes on his two daughters, Gina and Anna.

"George will take up residence in The Queen Vic when he joins his beloved Elaine, a powerhouse of a landlady who knows just how to have fun."