Pop Star to Soap Star: McBusted's Matt Willis Makes EastEnders Debut

McBusted pop star Matt Willis is adding soap actor to his list of accomplishments by heading to EastEnders as Stacey Branning's boyfriend, Luke Riley.

Willis, who is currently starring in ITV's Birds of a Feather as Garth Stubbs, will make his Walford debut on the BBC soap later this month.

In newly-released stills, he can be seen chatting to Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace), Stacey's cousin, who seems a little uneasy in his presence.

Stacey fled to Mexico three years ago after Janine exposed her as Archie Mitchell's killer and following the death of her husband Bradley Branning.

Kat goes on a mission to track down her relative after spotting her on the streets of London.

Show bosses described Willis' character as an ambitious young man who is deeply in love and devoted to his girlfriend.

"Luke is determined to build a secure life for him and his family but as drama always seems to follow Stacey wherever she goes, things will not be plain sailing for the duo," a BBC spokesperson said.

"Fans will love Matt's character but he can't last long because of his other commitments to [band] McBusted.

"Think weeks rather than months on the show when he comes on screen."

Willis, who first found fame as part of pop band Busted before going on to win the sixth series of reality show I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here, said he was 'thrilled' to be a joining the cast.

He added: "I grew up watching EastEnders so this is really exciting for me!"

Executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins said: "I've always loved Matt and it will be a real treat for viewers to watch him and Lacey together on screen as part of her return to the Square. Luke gives as good as he gets, so is a great foil to Stacey.

"Pity she's been lying to him since the day she met him."

Willis will appear in the episode airing on Thursday 13 February.