EastEnders: Tanya’s mother cast

Mitchell to appear as Tanya’s mum

Tanya Branning’s (Jo Joyner) mum arrives in Walford, played by award-winning actress Ann Mitchell

Ann Mitchell is joining the cast of EastEnders as Tanya Branning’s mother Cora Cross.

Cora and Tanya’s sister, drug addict Rainie, take her by surprise when they turn up to her hen night, after her fiancé Greg Jessop unwittingly invites them.

Ann said: “As a lifelong fan of EastEnders, I’m thrilled to join the cast. I am a great fan of June Brown’s and I’m looking forward to sharing some scenes with her.”

Cora is described as brash, sharp-tongued and not afraid of speaking her mind.

She is on a secret mission to rekindle Tanya’s relationship with her sister Rainie (Tanya Franks).

Rainie was last seen in Albert Square enjoying a crack-fuelled fling with Phil Mitchell, but has since got clean and wants to make up for what she did wrong.

Bryan Kirkwood, executive producer of EastEnders said: “I’m very excited to have the much-loved Ann Mitchell joining us.

“Cora Cross is a formidable woman, cut from the same cloth as many glorious Walford women of the past, and Ann Mitchell is just perfect for the role.”

The award-winning actress has had an extensive career in film, television and on the stage, and has even been in EastEnders before, playing Roy Evans’ mistress Jane Williams.