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Zoe Lucker, star of Footballers' Wives, Bad Girls and Strictly Come Dancing, will arrive in Albert Square later this year playing Vanessa, a dynamic and assured businesswoman who catches the eye of Max Branning, in ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ One's EastEnders.

Zoe will first appear on screen for a short stint later this year when her character pays a visit to Max Branning's car lot. There is an instant attraction between Max and Vanessa and sparks will fly.

She's glamorous and exciting, but viewers will have to wait to see what Vanessa's agenda really is. How will the Walford residents react to her arrival on the Square? Has Max finally met his match?

Zoe Lucker says: "I'm a huge fan of the show and I am really looking forward to working closely with Jake Wood. I've heard fantastic things about the show through friends like Kacey Ainsworth and Natalie Cassidy, so I can't wait to get started."

Bryan Kirkwood, EastEnders Executive Producer, adds: "Zoe Lucker is absolutely perfect for the role of Vanessa. The character is a strong confident force of nature who will play Max at his own game. I can't wait to see Zoe come face to face with Jake Wood on screen."

Notes to Editors

• More EastEnders news at bbc.co.uk/eastenders
• Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/bbceastenders
• EastEnders can be seen on ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ One, Mondays at 8.00pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.30pm and Fridays at 8.00pm

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