EastEnders confirms two new cast additions

EastEnders has officially announced the casting of Joshua Vaughan in the role of Josh Goodwin, the long-lost son of Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan).

The character – twin of Jasmine Fisher (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness) – arrives after following his adopted mother Sandra, played by acclaimed actress Dawn Steele, to Albert Square.

Sandra shows up in Walford wanting answers about Jasmine, who is currently in prison awaiting trial for the murder of father Anthony (Nicholas Bailey), in the process unveiling new details about Jasmine’s past and Sandra’s version of events.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Dawn Steele and Josh Vaughan to EastEnders as they step into the roles of Sandra and Josh Goodwin,” said executive producer Ben Wadey.

“Since her return last year, Zoe has searched for her long‑lost son, and we’re excited to finally add the missing pieces to her story. As always with the Slaters and Truemans, nothing is ever straightforward, and the arrival of Sandra and Josh promises even more drama for Walford at a pivotal moment as Jasmine’s trial begins.”

Newcomer Vaughan said: “It has been incredibly humbling to join the cast of EastEnders and find myself at the intersection of the iconic Trueman and Slater families. Getting to work alongside such legacy actors is a masterclass, and I’ve learned so much from them. Josh is a big ball of love and I’m so excited for the audience to see the drama unfold as he arrives onto the Square.”

Meanwhile former Holby City star Steele, who is joining the soap for a short stint, said: “I was thrilled to be asked to play the role of Sandra who arrives and throws a spanner or two into the Square! It was so great to go back to Elstree after the end of Holby City. Lots of the same crew (and a few cast!) are still there so it was joyful to see them all again.

“Everyone was so welcoming and I really enjoyed learning new ways of filming, it really is a well-oiled machine, and everyone works so hard.

“But it was Sandra’s storyline and character that really made me want to do it and I’m sure viewers will be thrilled with another piece of the puzzle ahead of the trial, Sandra’s timing couldn’t be better, or worse…”

The pair will make their debuts on screen later this month.