Only Fools and Horses’ Sue Holderness films first scene after joining cast of EastEnders

She has joined the cast of EastEnders as Billy Mitchell’s love interest.

And former Only Fools and Horses’ star Sue Holderness made quite the entrance onto the Square, as she filmed her first scenes as newcomer Estelle.

The actress, 71, whose Only Fools character Marlene was known for her love of cocktails, swapped them for a bottle of bubbly as she arrived in Walford. 

In new images from Sue’s arrival on the BBC One show, her character sported an eye-catching colourful coat and a scarf with a matching hat.

In one image, after popping into The Minute Mart, Estelle appeared with a bottle of champagne in her hand.

Elsewhere, she was seen chatting to Billy [Perry Fenwick], following reports she will set her sights on the veteran character.

Sue, who famously played Boycie’s long-suffering wife Marlene in the hit sitcom, is joining the BBC soap for a short stint this Spring.

And her time on the show will certainly be an eventful one as she catches the eye of unlucky-in-love Billy.

Estelle’s arrival will see her overseeing a photo shoot with Billy’s daughter Janet Mitchell.

But while she has a job to do, her attention soon turns to Janet’s father Billy and it soon becomes clear that not everyone is as taken with the newcomer as Billy is.

Discussing her exciting new role, Sue said: ‘I was absolutely delighted to have been given the chance to visit Walford. 

‘It felt very surreal to be popping into the actual fish and chip shop, Ruby’s club, The Queen Vic, and wandering around the iconic Albert Square. I was ridiculously excited about the whole thing! 

‘After more than fifty years in the business it was my first time working on a soap and I loved the whole experience.’

The actress joined Only Fools in Horses in 1985 and starred in the show until it ended in 2003. 

She also starred in the series’ spin-off show The Green Green Grass, appearing from 2005 to 2009. 

Sue has enjoyed a successful career on both stage and screen both before and after her time on the Peckham-based sitcom.

She’s had stints in medical dramas Doctors, Holby City and Casualty, while she’s also appeared in Cold Feet, Minders and Heartbeat.

In 2018, she reunited with Only Fools and Horses legend David Jason in Still Open All Hours, where she plays Mrs Rossi.