Glynis Barber replaces Gascoine in EastEnders

Actress Glynis Barber is to join the cast of EastEnders as Ronnie and Roxy's mum Glenda, after Jill Gascoine pulled out of playing the part.

Gascoine, who was originally cast, withdrew from the soap earlier this week saying she "lacked the experience" to take on a project such as EastEnders.

"I was so looking forward to playing Glenda," she said, "but having spent the last 15 years working in America, largely acting in single drama and writing fiction, I felt on arrival I lacked the right experience to film such a big continuing drama.

"I have tremendous respect for EastEnders and the cast so I didn’t want to let the show or my fellow cast members down.

"I'm really sad that I won't now play a part in EastEnders but I'd like to wish Glynis Barber the best of luck in the role of Glenda."

Barber first found fame in the 80s cop show Dempsey and Makepeace, although more recently has been seen in Emmerdale and ITV1's The Royal

She will make her first appearance in Albert Square in the new year.