The Eastenders Masood family will see another member of the clan join them in May, BBC bosses have revealed.

Marc Elliott (pictured) will play the role of Syed Masood, the “handsome, suave and sophisticated” eldest child of the family.

In a statement he said: “It is so exciting to join the cast of EastEnders and to be working with actors such as Nina Wadia and Nitin Ganatra who I have admired for many years.”

He added: “The Masood family have really made a name for themselves in the Square and it will be interesting see how Syed plans to stir things up!”

He has previously been seen in Holby, The Bill and The History Boys (theatre).

Diederick Santer, Eastenders executive producer, said: “At last he’s here! The most talked-about yet unseen prodigal son in EastEnders history.”

“Syed is a fascinating character, and I’m sure Marc will bring his many dimensions to life with great verve. Entrepreneurial, reckless, dashing and complicated, he’s set to bring surprises and chaos to the Masood family,” he added.

In coming weeks the soap’s storyline is expected to explain why why Syed has spent time away from the family.

Nevertheless, the introduction of the character will give a boost to Nina Wadia and Nitin Ganatra’s profile within the soap.