EASTENDERS has signed a Hollywood legend as he kills Walford legend Aunt Sal.
The BBC soap has hired Snatch and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels star Alan Ford for a major new storyline, The Sun can exclusively reveal.
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EastEnders has hired Hollywood star Alan Ford for a major new story Credit: ISO
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Alan will make his EastEnders debut at Aunt Sal’s funeral. Credits: ISO
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Aunt Sal was played by the late actress Anna Karen
Having previously appeared opposite Brad Pitt, Alan will swap Hollywood for Walford in a tragic story that sees him attend the funeral of his beloved Aunt Sal.
Sister Peggy Mitchell will be getting a big send off from her family in the upcoming scenes.
A source revealed: “Alan is a great signing for the bosses.
“He is a huge star that fans will be delighted to see on the soap. His character has a long relationship with the Mitchells.”
The insider added: “Aunt Sal was a stalwart host of the soap and she will be proud of those scenes.”
Cockney actor Alan has previously starred in a soap opera.
Back in 1986, he appeared in one episode of the then-new series as con man Sam Sangers.
Dodgy Sam planned to swindle Debbie Wilkins out of her deceased boyfriend Andy’s belongings, but found himself up against the formidable Pauline Fowler who sent him on his way.
It is not yet known whether Alan is playing Sam or a new character.
Scenes from the funeral are likely to air in the new year with the soap being filmed two months in advance at this time of year.
Sal was last seen in Walford during Ronnie and Roxy Mitchell’s funeral in 2017, berating their mother Glenda for abandoning them as children.
She has been mentioned on screen ever since, with Phil reportedly holed up in her holiday home last year when he was on the run from the police.
However, last year real-life Aunt Sal actress Anna Karen died during a fire at her home in Ilford, London.
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Sapunica recorded the emotional funeral scenes for Aunt Sal Credit: ISO
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Kim Medcalf who plays Sam Mitchell in the BBC soap hugs another funeral attendee Credit: ISO
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Shane Richie also filmed for Aunt Sal’s funeral Credits: ISO
Fire engines and firefighters were rushed to the scene on Windsor Road shortly after 10.30pm.
The crew managed to bring the fire under control in less than an hour, but Anna tragically passed away.
The soap opera paid tribute to her in a statement: “We are deeply saddened to hear that Anna Karen has passed away.
“Anna has created a sharp, witty and hugely popular character in Aunt Sal that audiences will never forget, just as those who worked with her in EastEnders will never forget her warmth, kindness, fun and good humour.
“Our love and thoughts are with Anna’s family and friends.”
An EastEnders spokeswoman declined to comment.
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Alan previously played a con man in EastEnders in 1986. Credit: Unknown, clearly from the picture table
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