As revealed back in September, Cora Cross (Ann Mitchell) will soon come face to face with her long lost daughter Ava Hartman (Clare Perkins). Her arrival comes as a big shock to Tanya, as Cora told her that Ava had died shortly after she was born.

Now, the BBC has revealed that Ava’s 20-year-old son Dexter, as played by Khali Best, will follow hot on her heels in January 2013.

Dexter will come searching for his new extended family in January 2013 – but what will he make of what he finds? After all, the Branning clan are hardly renowned for cordial relations...

I am delighted to be joining the cast of EastEnders," said Best. "Working with such great actors so early in my career is an amazing opportunity. I am really excited to see what the writers have in store.”

EastEnders' executive producer Lorraine Newman, added: “Dexter is a force of nature: cheeky, forthright, confident but highly protective of his mum and vice versa. He’ll work at the Arches and be a great mate for Jay and Lola. I am sure he’ll be hugely popular with the audience.”