EastEnders casts Kirsty Branning’s bad boy ex Carl

EastEnders bosses have confirmed the arrival of Kirsty Branning’s (Kierston Wareing) ex boyfriend Carl White.

Carl will be played by actor Daniel Coonan whose previous credits include Silent Witness and Law & Order UK.

Billed as the soap’s new bad boy, Carl has spent the last few years behind bars, and is a former acquaintance of the late Derek Branning (Jamie Foreman) as the pair once shared a cell.

Speaking of his new role, Coonan commented: “EastEnders has been a part of my life since I was 12 years old. I even remember talking about the storylines in school playgrounds in Tottenham and I am very happy and proud to now be a small part of its life.”

Upon his release from prison, Carl makes a number of attempts to contact Kirsty, determined to get back some money that he feels is rightfully is. However, he soon makes it clear that he also wants Kirsty back.

Executive producer Lorraine Newman comments: “It’s wonderful to have Daniel Coonan joining us in Walford to play Carl White. Oozing confidence and with a dangerous edge, will Kirsty be able to resist his bad boy charms for long, or can Max save her from the lure of the dark side?”

Carl will make his Walford debut next month, turning Kirsty’s world upside down.