The BBC's leading soap 'EastEnders', welcomes a new family this summer. The Ferreiras, an Asian family of Goan descent, will move into Mark Fowler's former home. Louise Berridge, Executive Producer of EastEnders, says: "After a search which has taken more than two years, and in which we have met literally hundreds of people, we have finally found the perfect cast for our dynamic new family. "We're delighted to welcome the Ferreiras to Albert Square, and I'm sure the viewers will be too."

The father of the family is Dan Ferreira, played by Dalip Tahil who has worked for a year in Bombay Dreams in London's West End. Moving into the square with Dan will be his three sons, Ronnie, Ash and Adi and daughter, Kareena. Ronnie's friend Tariq is also becoming an EastEnder.

Ray Panthaki (24) who plays Ronnie said "I'm really excited about joining EastEnders and I can't wait to get started." Ray has starred alongside Sacha Baron Cohen as Ali G's rival in last year's big British comedy, 'Ali G In Da House'. He also appeared in the recent film thriller 28 Days Later.

Dalip Tahil (Dan), a Bollywood actor most recently seen in London musical Bombay Dreams is excited about the new venture too, " I feel it's something I'm really lucky to be involved with and I'm very happy about it. I have always been aware of EastEnders - that it is this long-running series seen by millions of people - but it wasn't until I arrived in the UK to appear in Bombay Dreams that I realised it was so much a part of British culture and mainstream television. It's going to be a big adventure."

Raji James (33), best known for his portrayal of DS Vik Singh on 'The Bill' and as Abdul Khan in 'East is East', will play Ash. "I'm really looking forward to the challenges of working on such a huge programme." he said. His other recent projects include Waking The Dead, Murder In Mind and Holby City.

Ameet Chana (27), a well known face from Gurinder Chadha's hit film 'Bend it Like Beckham' will play Adi. "Having worked for 12 years within the acting community, it's nice to join a show as popular and as well-loved as EastEnders and to be part of something that's talked about by everyone." Ameet has also appeared in BBC TWO's League of Gentlemen, and will shortly appear in Bollywood Queen, a film shortlisted for the Sundance Film Festival.

Pooja Shah (23) who plays Kareena said that for her "joining EastEnders is a dream come true." Pooja has starred in Sky One's Harry On The Boat. Her first professional theatre performance was in Untouchable at the Bush Theatre, and she also appeared in 'Bend It Like Beckham'.

The role of Ronnie's friend Tariq is played by Nabil Elouahabi (27). Nabil has appeared in the films 'Asylum' and 'Ali G In Da House' and his television work includes 'Only Fools and Horses', 'Attachments', 'As If', 'Casualty' and 'The Bill'.

The new Ferreira family will be moving into Albert Square in early summer.