Beckett said he was a long-time fan of the soap

Beckett will play Alfie Moon's cousin Jake and has joined the show for at least a year.

He will arrive in Albert Square on New Year's Eve, accompanied by his brother, who has yet to be cast.

A spokesperson for the BBC One soap said: "The gorgeous brothers are set to ruffle feathers all around Albert Square.

"Den and Dennis need to watch out - there's a new dynamic duo coming to town!"

Beckett said he was "excited" to be joining the soap.

"I've watched the programme since the beginning and I'm very excited to be joining such a successful television institution," he said.

"I found out that I got the part while I was on holiday in Turkey. It took a while to sink in but I had a few beers to celebrate that night.