Emily Atack’s mum Kate Robbins lands role in EastEnders as music producer Jen
SHOWBIZ veteran Kate Robbins — actress Emily Atack’s mum — has landed a part in EastEnders.
The stage and screen star, 62, joins the BBC soap next month as music producer Jen Glover.
Her character is brought in by pal Rocky, played by Brian Conley, to mastermind the fledgling pop career of Whitney Dean, played by Shona McGarty.
While only in Albert Square for a short stint, she is set to make an impact as “no-nonsense, old-school rocker” Jen.
A source told the Sun on Sunday: “Everyone was very excited to get Kate on board for this part, because they felt she was the perfect fit.
“Not only is she a great actress, but she has plenty of experience of the music industry too. And they weren’t disappointed — she did a brilliant job.”
Kate first found fame in 1980 when she represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest as part of group Prima Donna, finishing third.
She appeared in ITV soap Crossroads and had a No2 hit with More Than In Love in 1981.
She appeared alongside brother Ted in The Ted and Kate Show and then her own sketch show.
Kate, a cousin of Sir Paul McCartney, has also been in Dinner Ladies and worked as a Spitting Image voice artist.
She has three children, Emily, Martha and George, from her marriage to Keith Atack — who she divorced in 2008 after 19 years.
Speaking about her role in EastEnders, Kate said: “I am so excited to be joining the show as Jen.
“We had a ball filming the scenes. Working with the team was a dream.”