Edward Woodward Joins EastEnders

British acting legend Edward Woodward is joining a soap. The 78-year-old has landed a role in EastEnders playing an Albert Square newcomer with a sinister secret. Isn't that always the way?

It is the latest career twist for the man who became a huge hit on both sides of the Atlantic in the 1980s. Back then, Edward Woodward starred as a vigilante in hit American drama The Equalizer. The show struck a chord and captured the imagination of millions. Like many of his era, he first trod the boards, appearing in West End and Broadway productions in New York before landing a role in 1967 television series Callan. He went on to give a compelling performance as the policeman in 1973's cult occult horror film The Wicker Man.

Edward Woodward has already started filming EastEnders and will appear on screen as Tommy Clifford from next month. Diederick Santer, executive producer of EastEnders, spoke to DigitalSpy about the soap's latest signing: "To have the star of The Wicker Man, Callan and so many more working here, is a great thrill for all of us. On the surface this character is a warm, charming and engaging man, but there are other much darker things going on too. Edward shades in all those layers, and I hope the audience is as fascinated watching him at work as I have been."

Edward Woodward is the latest unlikely soap star and in our gallery, we take a look at more eye-popping appearances from the likes of Phil Daniels and Phil 'The Power' Taylor.