Rough Cut Reviews

Penny Branning has quickly become a familiar face on EastEnders, thanks to the arrival of actress Kitty Castledine, who stepped into the role as part of the well-known Branning family. Penny’s return to Albert Square earlier this year marked a significant twist in the soap’s storyline, with plenty of drama unfolding almost immediately.

The character Penny Branning is the daughter of long-standing EastEnders figure Jack Branning, and she arrived in Walford alongside her cousin Lauren Branning, portrayed once again by Jacqueline Jossa. Not long after her arrival, Penny became entangled in a serious situation involving drug smuggling. While she was asked to bring drugs into the UK, she instead planted them on Lauren, who was subsequently caught and faced potential prison time. The incident sent shockwaves through the Branning family, placing Penny firmly at the centre of the action.

Kitty Castledine’s casting has drawn considerable attention, not just because of her strong debut performance, but also due to her impressive real-life connections. Kitty comes from a well-known family with ties to both sport and television. Her mother is Lucy Alexander, best known for presenting Homes Under The Hammer, a popular BBC property show. Lucy was quick to express her pride on social media following the news of Kitty joining EastEnders, describing it as a major moment for their family.

Kitty’s father and brother are both involved in football, adding to the public profile of her family. Additionally, Kitty herself has developed friendships with notable figures from ITV, expanding her network across the British entertainment scene.

Speaking about her role, Kitty shared her excitement about being cast so soon after graduating from drama school. “I didn’t expect to start my EastEnders journey so soon after finishing training – it still doesn’t feel real,” she said. “My whole family are lifelong fans of the show. I remember watching it with my Nanny Kay when I was little, and now they’re watching me on screen. It’s incredibly special.”

As a wheelchair user, Kitty has also highlighted the importance of disability representation on screen. She’s particularly proud to play a dynamic, independent character like Penny. “The inclusion of disabled talent on television is something I care deeply about,” she added. “Penny is feisty and cool – she’s thrown into the drama right away, and I’m so excited to see where her journey takes her.”

Kitty’s portrayal has already been praised for bringing a fresh energy to EastEnders, while also opening the door to more inclusive storytelling. With her personal charisma and a storyline packed with tension and emotion, Penny Branning looks set to become a central figure in the soap’s evolving narrative.

And for Kitty Castledine, this marks just the beginning of what promises to be a bright career in British television.