EastEnders confirm return of Penny Branning after 15 years – and actress Kitty Casteldine has a very famous mum

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.

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.

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.”