alvinder Sopal has joined \'EastEnders\'.
The former \'Coornation Street\' and \'Emmerdale\' actress is to take on the role of Suki Panesar, the matriarch of the Panesar family, and the star admits it is a "dream come true" to land a role on the programme.
Balvinder said: "I grew up watching \'EastEnders\' religiously so to be joining the show and playing matriarch Suki Panesar is a dream come true - I am still pinching myself.
"I\'m excited to see what\'s in store for Suki as she joins her family on Albert Square."
Suki is set to cause chaos when she heads to Albert Square next month, after it has been revealed that her daughter Ash Panesar (Gurlaine Kaur Garcha) and her do not get on.
Jon Sen, executive producer of \'EastEnders\', added: "It has been clear since their arrival that the Panesar siblings live under the shadow of an overbearing matriarch and in January, Suki Panesar arrives in Walford, determined to make her presence felt.
"Balvinder brings a unique blend of steeliness and charm to the role and I can\'t wait to see her grace our screens in January."
\'EastEnders\' announced in August that the Panesar family, made up of brothers Kheerat (Jaz Deol), Jags (Amar Adatia), and their younger sibling Vinny (Shiv Jalota), would be heading to Walford.
Jon said at the time: "The Panesar family are set to arrive this autumn and will bring their own unique blend of charm and chaos onto the Square.
"A British Asian family of Punjabi Sikh heritage, Kheerat, Jags and Vinny are three very different brothers who turn up in Walford looking to settle a score - however, fate quickly takes a hand and they find themselves staying for good.
"We\'re thrilled to be introducing this vibrant new family to Walford and to be sharing their stories."
And it was revealed in October that Gurlaine had been cast as their sister Ash.
