BBC viewers couldn't believe their eyes when Hollywood star Patsy Kensit joined the EastEnders cast on Wednesday night.

The former Emmerdale and Holby City star made her debut in Albert Square on January 25 for a 'brief stint' on the soap. 

The popular actress, 54, plays Lola Pearce's 'never before seen' mother Emma Harding.

Soap fans will recognise Kensit from her roles as Sadie King on Emmerdale (2004-2006) and Faye Morton on Holby City (2007-10). 

East London Advertiser: Lola Pearce was diagnosed with a brain tumour on the soap (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron/PA)Lola Pearce was diagnosed with a brain tumour on the soap (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron/PA) (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron/PA)

However, she's also appeared on the silver screen in the likes of Lethal Weapon 2 (1989) and The Great Gatsby (1979).

Who is Patsy Kensit on EastEnders and has she been on the soap before?

Kensit plays Lola Pearce (Danielle Harold)'s mum Emma Harding.

Just like her character, Kensit has never been on EastEnders before but has starred in other popular soaps like Emmerdale, Hollyoaks and even Casualty for an episode.

Following the announcement, Kensit said:"I’m so excited to be visiting Walford for this storyline.

“It has always been a dream of mine to appear in EastEnders. The cast, producers, writers and crew have been wonderful, and I’ve had a ball. Thank-you so much for having me.”

Patsy's character, Emma Harding, left Lola and her father when Lola was three but now she's back.

EastEnders executive producer Chris Clenshaw said: “We’re delighted to welcome the wonderfully talented Patsy to the EastEnders family.

“She’s the perfect fit to take on the role of such a long-awaited character that we know very little about.

“Softly spoken and measured, on one hand Emma is the very opposite of her long lost daughter Lola.

East London Advertiser: Patsy Kensit has appeared in other popular soaps before like Emmerdale and Holby City ( BBC/PA)Patsy Kensit has appeared in other popular soaps before like Emmerdale and Holby City ( BBC/PA) (Image: BBC/PA)

“But on the other, there’s a striking resemblance; successful, the capacity to hold her own – if she says she’ll do something, she’ll do it – and she’s a fighter, just like Lola.

“Having spent a lifetime apart, Emma becomes desperate to make up for lost time, but her secret sadness and guilt are never far from the surface.

“The burden of losing her daughter has never left her, but can she find the courage to tell her shocking truth and reconnect with Lola, or will it come too little, too late?

“Patsy’s portrayal is bound to set off fireworks in Walford and cause havoc for the Mitchell household.”

BBC viewers couldn't get enough of Patsy's debut on the soap with many rushing to social media to share their thoughts. 

One viewer posted alongside the starry-eyed emoji: "Patsy Kensit in #Eastenders wow."

A second person commented: "I have missed the iconic Patsy Kensit in soaps so much."

A third fan shared:"Patsy's debut as Emma was brilliant. I can't wait for her first scenes with Lola in a few weeks. They will be Emotional."

Another chimed in:" Whoooaaaa @patsy_kensit in @bbceastenders was not expecting that."

With a fifth adding:"@patsy_kensit What a nice surprise you appearing in @bbceastenders !x"

EastEnders continues at 7.30pm on BBC One on Thursday, January 26.