Fans of The Bill might just recognise a familiar face if they tune into EastEnders next week.

The BBC soap has cast one of the stars of the defunct ITV police show for a new storyline involving Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton).

Actor Iain Fletcher will appear as Councillor Barker in forthcoming scenes, as Ruby joins the fight to save the Bridge Street Market.

Iain is best known for his role as DC Rod Skase in The Bill, which he appeared in between 1994 and 2000.

He has also popped up in Band of Brothers, Waterloo Road, Family Affairs, Doctors and Casualty.

His stage credits also include productions of Mamma Mia! and Oliver.

Iain makes his first appearance as Councillor Barker in EastEnders next week as news reaches the local traders about the council’s latest plans for the market, which was threatened with closure last year.

Martin Fowler (James Bye) calls a meeting with the council, but struggling with his recent surgery and son Roman’s discharge from hospital, girlfriend Ruby offers to step in when the meeting is pulled forward at the last minute.

At the Community Centre, the residents make their feelings known, but it’s not long before things take a turn when Ruby begins to argue with Councillor Barker.

Ruby later decides to try a different tactic after a run-in with Councillor Barker in the Minute Mart gives her inspiration, and sets about putting a risky plan into motion…