Ellen Thomas is tipped to stir up trouble when she joins the cast of EastEnders.

Soap bosses have not revealed exactly who the Teachers actress will be playing, except to tease she will be a “tough-talking” matriarch with various ties in Albert Square.

Ellen said: “This is one of the most formidable and complete characters I’ve ever played. I’m really looking forward to the delicious mayhem she’s going to bring to Albert Square.”

The actress is best known for playing sassy school secretary Liz in Channel 4 comedy Teachers, and church busy-body Adoha in BBC sitcom Rev.

Ellen has actually appeared in the soap several times before, first in 1990 as Pearl Chadwick, and in 2010 as Mercy Olubunmi’s grandmother Grace.

EastEnders’ executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins said: “Ellen Thomas belongs on EastEnders. Like many actresses before her, she’s been in the show playing a different role – thank goodness Linda Henry didn’t just play Mandy’s mum – but this is the role she was born to play.

“Albert Square now has a new steely matriarch – with a few twisted secrets hidden behind her beaming smile…”