In EastEnders, Annette Badland was cast as patron of Birmingham’s historic theatre

EastEnders actress Annette Badland has said she is “absolutely delighted” to become patron of Birmingham’s historic Old Rep theatre.

The Olivier-nominated actress, who played villainous Aunt Babe in the BBC soap, will join Brian Cox, Toyah Willcox, Brian Blessed and June Brown as patron of the space.

Badland, 68, said: “The Old Rep was so important to me when I first fell in love with theater and acting, so I’m absolutely delighted, surprised and honored to be a patron.

“It’s really important to me because it’s my hometown and my beginnings.”

Badland, from Edgbaston in Birmingham, is also known for his roles in Doctor Who and Charlie And The Chocolate Factory

She was given a seat in the auditorium of The Old Rep, which reads: “Whatever you can do, or dream, you can, start.”

The theater – originally called the Birmingham Repertory Theater – was built in 1913 as the UK’s first purpose-built repertory theater and played a pivotal role in the careers of actors including Laurence Olivier.