Janine Malloy's gran cast in EastEnders

Janine Malloy is to be reunited with her equally manipulative grandmother in 'EastEnders'.

The Walford schemer - played by Charlie Brooks - will meet her match when she is reunited with her mum's mother Lydia Simmonds after years apart and discovers they share bad reputations which makes people avoid them.

An 'EastEnders' insider said: "Lydia is every bit as twisted, manipulative and damaged as her granddaughter.

"A lady of class and dignity, she couldn't stand the man her daughter June ran off with - common as muck Frank Butcher. Seeing Janine again stirs something in Lydia. Perhaps she looks like June, or maybe her motives are more sinister. Janine may have finally met her match."

Veteran actress Margaret Tyzack has been cast as Lydia and is delighted with the role.

She said: "I am delighted to be joining a great British tradition and a fine company of actors."

Show chiefs have promised big things for Lydia when she arrives on Albert Square in April.

Executive producer Bryan Kirkwood said: "Lydia has endless possibilities as a character, and I can't wait to see Janine meet her match."