'EastEnders' newcomer Sean Mahon has revealed Ray Kelly will have a big part to play.

Sean Mahon

Sean Mahon

The 'Mr and Mrs Smith' star has joined the soap cast as Mel Owen's (Tamzin Outhwaite) ex, and he has explained to viewers he isn't in Walford to just sit "on the side lines".

Asked if fans are excited to see how the character's time on the BBC show will unfold, he said: "I think very much so because of his connection to Mel and Hunter who are such strong characters and so the fact they are bringing in somebody in from their past sets Ray up in a great way. People are very curious to know - what's that all about?

"So I'm not just hanging out on the side lines, the way it's been written I get entrenched very quickly and I integrate with a lot of the characters on the Square very quickly so I'm very much in the world."

Sean also admitted that having a role on 'EastEnders' isn't something he ever expected to happen, but revealed it's "a great environment" to work in thanks to the friendly and "professional" team.

He added: "Never for a second, it's one of those great testaments to life that you never know where you're going to end up or what's going to happen.

"I did not see this coming at all and when it did come my way it was like Oh! And I'm so grateful for it.

"I'm having a really good time and everybody is so spot on, professional and nice, it's a great environment, it really is."