Soul singer Mica Paris has joined the cast of EastEnders playing a "fiery" new character with a "shock connection" to an existing Walford resident.

The 51-year-old, who had hits in the '80s and '90s including 'My One Temptation', will make her debut in the role of Ellie Nixon when the soap returns next month.

"EastEnders wants to return with a bang following lockdown and Mica will certainly supply the spark," a source told The Sun.

"Her character is fiery and passionate and will take no prisoners. Walford won't know what's hit it."

Paris said of her role: "I am absolutely over the moon to be in EastEnders. I have been a fan since its first episode with Susan Tully being my favourite.

"My character, the formidable Ellie Nixon, is a new frontier for me as an actress - a lot of folks will see me as never before."

After a three-month break due to coronavirus, EastEnders will return to BBC One on Monday, September 7.