Laura Norton has taken ‘EastEnders’ newcomer Natalie Ann Jamieson under her wing.
The 35-year-old actress – who plays Kerry Wyatt on the soap – is excited for the incoming star to take over the role of her on-screen daughter Amy five years after Chelsea Halfpenny’s exit.
She told Inside Soap: "I’d like to thin I have. Watching her, you remember how scary it was when you started. I had lovely people around me.
"But just in terms of her character, helping her to make it her own. Natalie is a very good actress, and the character should be hers now."
Laura is excited to start acting with her new co-star – whose casting was confirmed last month – describing her as "lovely and friendly".
She added: "I’m looking forwad to it, very much so – Natalie’s brilliant! I did the screen test with her and her instincts are amazing.
"She’s lovely and friendly – and she’s a fellow Geordie, so what more could you want?"
Amy – who left Albert Square in 2013 and has been living in Ireland – was last seen with Chelsea playing the part until she left the soap to try other projects.
The ‘Casualty’ star decided not to reprise the role, but has given her blessing to Natalie – and she is still in touch with her former cast mates.
Laura revealed: "Of course! We speak a lot and we FaceTimed recently. She was supportive when we auditioned for a new Amy. She’s great, so I have the best of both worlds – I’ve got two great daughters!"
When Natalie was announced to be joining ‘EastEnders’, she said how "grateful" she was for the chance.
She said: "I feel very lucky to be joining the cast of such a loved and respected show. I’m very grateful for this opportunity, and can’t wait to find out what the future holds for Amy!"