EastEnders will air Denise Van Outen's first scenes next month as her character Karin Smart arrives on Albert Square looking for Phil Mitchell.

It was announced earlier this year that the actress had been cast in a guest role, but details surrounding her character have been kept under wraps until now.

Karin's arrival comes as the war between Max Branning and Phil intensifies, with Phil desperately searching for ways to seek revenge on Max after he deceitfully took over The Arches earlier in the year.

When Karin arrives in Walford in search of Phil, she is quickly intercepted by a curious Max and the pair start talking.

Unaware that there is more to Karin than meets the eye, Max is soon doing a business deal with Karin after she makes him an offer he can't refuse.

Max and Karin do a deal

Karin turns on the charm

After Max falls for Karin's charms, the pair soon head back to his place, but is all what it seems? And where will Karin's loyalties lie in the battle between Max and Phil?

Airs Thursday, April 9th