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EASTENDERS have confirmed the return of character Penny Branning after 15 years.

Rising star Kitty Castledine is taking on the role of Jack Branning’s daughter, but in real life she has a very famous mum – Homes Under The Hammer host Lucy Alexander.

Fwd: EASTENDERS ANNOUNCEMENT - EMBARGOED UNTIL 2000 HOURS MONDAY 6TH NOVEMBER</p>
<p>Brannings reunited!</p>
<p>Penny Branning to return to Walford alongside cousin Lauren</p>
<p>Jack Branning’s daughter Penny is making her way back to Walford after 15 years of living abroad.</p>
<p>Having always had a fractured relationship with her dad, Jack, Penny has been living in France with her mum, Selina. Now she is on her way to Albert Square, alongside her cousin Lauren, but just what brings the two back to Walford?</p>
<p>Rising star Kitty Castledine has been cast as Penny in her first major television role after graduating from the London Academy of Music and Drama (LAMDA) this summer. Speaking of joining the show, Kitty said: “I didn’t expect to start my EastEnders journey so soon out of drama school – I can’t actually believe it! My whole family are EastEnders fans, and I remember sitting on my Nanny Kay’s lap to tune in, and now they get to watch me in Albert Square. The inclusion of disabled talent on screen is so important to me as a wheelchair user, so I’m thrilled to be playing a character as feisty and cool as Penny. She’s thrown into the middle of the drama straight away, and I can’t wait to see what she gets up to.”
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Kitty Castledine is joining the soap as Penny - and will be arriving with Lauren
Kitty with her famous mum Lucy Alexander and dad Stewart
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Kitty with her famous mum Lucy Alexander and dad Stewart

Delighted mum Lucy shared the exciting news this evening, writing: “It's been quite a week in my household... #proudmum.”

Property expert Lucy, 53, is married to ex-Premier League footballer Stewart Castledine and they share two children, Kitty and Leo, a footballer.

On the soap Penny will be arriving at Albert Square with her cousin Lauren, played by Jacqueline Jossa.

Penny has been living in France with her mum Selina after struggling to get on with dad Jack.

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Speaking of joining the show, Kitty said: “I didn’t expect to start my EastEnders journey so soon out of drama school – I can’t actually believe it!

“My whole family are EastEnders fans, and I remember sitting on my Nanny Kay’s lap to tune in, and now they get to watch me in Albert Square.

“The inclusion of disabled talent on screen is so important to me as a wheelchair user, so I’m thrilled to be playing a character as feisty and cool as Penny. She’s thrown into the middle of the drama straight away, and I can’t wait to see what she gets up to.”

Kitty was left paralysed as a child from a virus that attacked her spinal cord.

Penny was previously played by actress Mia McKenna- Bruce, now 24, in 2008.

EastEnders Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw said: “It’s been a long time since Penny Branning was in Walford, and she’s a very different person from the one our viewers might remember. Kitty is a terrific addition to the show, and we’re looking forward to seeing Penny back in Albert Square.”

Penny hasn't been on the soap for 15 years
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Penny hasn't been on the soap for 15 years
Lucy is very proud of her daughter
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Lucy is very proud of her daughter
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