‘EastEnders’: Funeral parlour to open on Albert Square

EastEnders

has announced that a funeral parlour will open on Albert Square.

Les Coker, played by Roger Sloman, will become a permanent fixture in Walford, after previously appearing to arrange Pat Butcher’s funeral.

He recently returned to organise Nick Cotton’s funeral, and has proven that he will also bury people’s secrets if the price is right.

Les will be joined by his wife Pam, played by Lin Blakley, who is described as “a small woman with a big heart and an even bigger shoulder to cry on”.

Speaking about joining EastEnders full-time, Sloman said: “It’s hugely rewarding to be working alongside actors who I have a huge admiration for and have been a part of my life for so long.

“It is a thrill to play Les, who has so many different angles and is not a straightforward character. It is also a pleasure to be working alongside Lin Blakley.”

Blakley added: “Being part of EastEnders is like going to work and being with another family. I’m really enjoying myself. Working with Roger has been wonderful from the word go, we have a laugh together and I feel like I have known him forever.”

Executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins commented: “Les and Pam are part of our plans to rejuvenate the show’s older generation. It’s already so exciting to watch the chemistry between Roger and Lin on set, playing characters who have been together for so long, they know each other inside out. Or so they think.”

The couple will be seen on screen this month.

EastEnders airs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays on BBC One.

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