Denise Van Outen is in the frame for a top soap role, probably EastEnders

Denise Van Outen is in the frame for a top soap role, probably EastEnders

She said: “I love EastEnders and I know quite a few people on the show. I went to school with Nicola Stapleton (Mandy) and Samantha Womack (Ronnie). And Chris Parker, who used to play Spencer, is one of my best mates.

“Loads of my friends have been in soaps â€" both EastEnders and Corrie. So I know how it all works and I know I’d be letting myself in for hard work. I wouldn’t want to play a soap bitch or a villain â€" I don’t want to be disliked. I’d like to be a barmaid. Or maybe a Mitchell sister.

“I’d love to be in a soap â€" I’ve got a list of things I’ve always wanted to do and that’s at the top. And there have been conversations. I can’t tell you which soap, but there have been talks going on. Watch this space.”

Denise, 37, added: “I’d need to discuss how it would fit in with having a family, because I love being able to work but also spend time with my two-year-old daughter Betsy.”