Former Bill star and Brighton-based actor Chris Ellison has landed a part in EastEnders.

It is reported that Mr Ellison, 60, best known as TV's toughtalking detective Burnside, will star in the BBC1 soap over the summer and that his charmer character, Len Harker will have a fling with Pat Wicks.

An insider said: "It's a real coup landing Chris, he's been off our screen for too long."

In 2000 he left The Bill after 16 years and starred in spin-off series Burnside. EastEnders boss Diederick Santer said: "I've been a massive fan of Chistopher since he played Burnside so I'm really chuffed."