Silent Witness star Jonny Freeman has joined the cast of EastEnders as Reiss Colwell, the great-nephew of Dot Branning (June Brown).

In scenes airing next week, the residents of the Square learn the sad news that Dot has died in Ireland, and later in the month, she will return to Walford one last time for a send-off.

A distant relative of Dot - his grandfather was brother to Dot's father - Reiss feels compelled to attend the funeral, and when he does, there is the sign of a spark between him and fellow griever Sonia (Natalie Cassidy).

"I am delighted to be joining the cast of EastEnders, especially as part of the iconic Dot Branning's extended family," said Freeman.

"Everybody has been so welcoming and I'm very lucky to have been working so closely with the lovely Natalie Cassidy who is not only a fantastic actress but a delightful person; she has very kindly helped me navigate my first few weeks.

"I hope I can do Reiss justice. He is kind but socially awkward and seeing how he manages, or doesn't manage, his early exchanges with Sonia and her nearest and dearest has been quite interesting! I'm looking forward to seeing how both audiences and the residents of Walford respond to him."

Exec producer Chris Clenshaw added: "Reiss Colwell is a somewhat studios, humble and dependable kind of guy and, like his great-aunt Dot, is incredibly kind hearted.

"Jonny is a wonderful addition to the EastEnders cast; it's a joy to see him transform into Reiss when he puts on Reiss' reading glasses and cardigan.

"And we're all excited for Sonia to have a new squeeze in the Square – it's been a while!"

Alongside Reiss, several former characters will return - albeit briefly - for the funeral, including Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa), Lofty (Tom Watt), Mary the Punk (Linda Davidson), Colin Russell (Michael Cashman), Barry Clark (Gary Hailes) and Disa O'Brien (Jan Graveson).