Dizzee Rascal has been invited join the cast of Eastenders following the news earlier this week that he would like to star in the show.

The 23 year-old has said that the BBC soap “means a lot” to him and that acting would be a “natural progression” from rapping for him.

"It's great to hear Dizzee Rascal is such a big EastEnders fan - he's a brilliant performer and a true eastender so he'd be very welcome to swing by The Queen Vic if he's ever in Walford," a BBC spokesperson said.

However, a representative from the soap said that although she wouldn't dismiss the chance of a role in the show for the rapper, who was born in Bow, East London, she couldn't confirm anything.

"It's not out of the question, but we've certainly not got anything sorted with regards to him joining the programme”, she added.

(by Andrew Almond)