07 March 2024 , 16:53
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Penny Branning is cementing herself as a big part of EastEnders' famous Branning family..
The daughter of Jack Branning arrived in the Square earlier this year alongside her cousin Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) and quickly found herself in a lot of trouble. She was asked to smuggle drugs into the UK, but planted them on Lauren who was later caught with the illegal substance and was at risk of being sent down. Penny is played by actress Kitty Castledine, who has a very famous family of her own, with a TV presenter mum, footballer dad and brother and some famous ITV pals.
Kitty joined the soap in the New Year as Jack's long lost daughter Penny. Speaking about signing up for the soap, Kitty said: "I didn’t expect to start my EastEnders journey so soon out of drama school – I can’t actually believe it! My whole family are EastEnders fans, and I remember sitting on my Nanny Kay’s lap to tune in, and now they get to watch me in Albert Square. The inclusion of disabled talent on screen is so important to me as a wheelchair user, so I’m thrilled to be playing a character as feisty and cool as Penny. She’s thrown into the middle of the drama straight away, and I can’t wait to see what she gets up to."
Kitty has a very famous family (Instagram)
Kitty with mum Lucy Alexander (Instagram)Kitty actually has a very famous family herself. Her mum is Homes Under The Hammer star Lucy Alexander, who posted a tribute to her daughter when she secured the role as Penny on the BBC soap.
Sharing her excitement, she wrote at the time: "So as a family we have had to keep this a secret for a while ... ( cue the music). Congratulations @kittycastledine @bbceastenders on your role as Penny Branning in the show. Proud of you my girl!"
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Kitty's father is footballer Stewart Castledine, who played in the Premier League for Wimbledon and Wycombe Wanderers in the Football League whilst her brother is Chelsea midfielder Leo Castledine.
She is also friends with former This Morning presenters Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes. When her job on EastEnders was announced, Eamonn wrote: "Kitty , brilliant! But could u get your Mum a role as Barbara Windsor's long lost younger Sister???" Ruth also praised Kitty's acting skills, sharing: "You’re AMAZING! Congratulations….you’re going to have a phenomenal future as an actor."
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