Martin Kemp: "I used to dream about Barbara Windsor"

He will appear next month as Steve Owens, a nightclub owner who sets up in Albert Square.

Details are being kept under wraps, but with a film track record like his, the role is likely to be a bad guy.

'A great opportunity'

But the former pop star says the new character is not simply another Tricky Dicky.

"The part I'm taking on here is definitely not just a hard man. He's a very clever character, he's intellectual, he's mulit-layered, he's a great chance for me to take on a great part," said Mr Kemp.

Martin in Spandau Ballet

The 1980s star starred with his brother Gary in feature film The Krays about the East End gangsters and recently played a murderer in ITV's The Bill.

Matthew Robinson, executive producer of EastEnders, said: "We're all very excited.

Matthew Robinson: We are all very excited

"He won't be on for a few weeks, but we know he'll have a big impact when he arrives."

Martin, 36, is the latest in a string of famous faces to sign up for the BBC1 soap after comedian Mike Reid, Carry On star Barbara Windsor and soon-to-be on screen 1960s star Anthony Newley.

During an interview for the BBC's Radio 5 Live he was asked how he felt working alongside Barbara Windsor. "I used to go to bed and dream about her when I was a kid," he said.

Martin pictured with brother Gary who starred with him in The Krays

Spandau Ballet had 18 hits and sold 10 million records in the 1980s including big hits with Gold, True and Chant No 1.

Martin needed surgery for a brain tumour three years ago and spent two months in hospital.

He is married to Shirlie, of former girl group Pepsi and Shirlie, and they have a son and a daughter.