This former pop star has landed himself a role in EastEnders

He's best known for being in Blue

Published 16th Feb 2017
Last updated 16th Feb 2017

He's mostly known for his high pitch vocals in 90's boyband Blue, but it seems singer Lee Ryan has had a career change as he's landed himself a role in EastEnders.

Bosses of the show have confirmed Lee has been cast to play 'Woody Woodward', Walford's new bad boy.

Speaking about his new role on the soap, Lee said, "Woody is the best role I could have wished to play. He’s a brilliant character, and it’s clear he’s been leading a full and colourful life. I can’t wait for people to see what he’s like for themselves."

He also admitted the whole cast and crew have been 'so welcoming' and said he's going to 'have a lot of fun'.

It's not yet known when Lee will make his debut on the soap, but the show's executive producer Sean O'Connor has teased fans about the nature of Lee's character Woody.

He said, "He’s going to ruffle some feathers and obviously break some hearts, so there’s a great deal to look forward to as soon as he bursts onto the square. Lee is a perfect casting for Albert Square and we knew straight away we wanted him for the role."

Lee made his name in boyband Blue in the 1990's and enjoyed a successful career with the band selling over 14 million records worldwide and racking up three UK number ones, including their 2002 hit 'Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word' with Elton John.

After the band's split in 2005, Lee pursued a solo career and landed a number three album. Despite this, Lee's second album was cancelled, with the singer moving onto a stage and TV career.

Lee then re-joined Blue in 2011 to represent the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest and finished in 11th place.

Watch their performance below:

The 33-year-old also caused a stir with viewers when he was involved in a love triangle with Casey Bachelor and Jasmine Waltz on Celebrity Big Brother in 2014.

Since then Lee has kept a rather low profile, but is now back and ready to hit our TV screens in EastEnders.

Lee's not the first member of Blue to join a soap. His former band mate Duncan James is currently playing detective Ryan Knight in Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks.

Duncan was nominated for 'Best Newcomer' at the National Television Awards earlier in the year.

Hopefully Lee will do just as well!