EastEnders bosses have cast four relative unknowns to front EastEnders: E20, the soap's new online spin-off.

The newcomers will play the roles of Fatboy, Leon Small, Mercy Olubunmi and Zsa Zsa Carter, who crash into Albert Square seeking solace from family life.

The online drama, created by a team of new London writers aged between 17 and 22, will go live in January next year ahead of the soap's 25th anniversary in February.

Ricky Norwood will play Fatboy, who has invented a number of personas since the age of seven in an attempt to escape his real identity, Arthur Chubb. He said: "It's an honour to now be part of a show that has been on in my house for as long as I have been alive."

Leon (Sam Attwater) is described as a sexy and cool boxer with a short fuse and a lack of respect for those in authority. Attwater said: "It's an amazing opportunity and I'm really enjoying tackling a character like Leon who has so much going on."

Mercy (Bunmi Mojekwu) lives with her strict grandmother from whom she is harbouring a secret, and feels abandoned when her parents return to Nigeria. Mojekwu said: "My first day on set was just crazy, I was on Albert Square - a dream come true - I am enjoying every second."

Zsa Zsa (Emer Kenny) is a bright, funky and outspoken tomboy, similar to her aunt Shirley Carter (Linda Henry), a character in the BBC One show. Kenny said: "It's really exciting to be a part of a project that's taking drama online and connecting with these viewers."

EastEnders: E20 will be available on www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/e20 in the new year.