EastEnders legend Lindsey Coulson has joined Waterloo RoadCredit: Getty

Lindsey plays Carol Jackson in the BBC soapCredit: BBC

The Sun can exclusively reveal she will be playing the new headteacher in the show with Jason Manford departing the show as Mr Savage after just one series.

A source said: “Lindsey’s thrilled to be joining the show.

“She’s playing the new head teacher and it’s a great role for her. The show is really going from strength to strength.

The news come as fan hopes about Lindsey making a return to EastEnders ahead of the 40th anniversary.

Viewers last saw her character Carol in October 2015 riding away on Jim Branning’s old motorbike for a new life away from Walford.

The BBC soap will celebrate its 40th anniversary in February with bosses promising a host of high profile returns in the run up.

The likes of Tracy-Ann Oberman and Laurie Brett have already resumed theirs roles of Chrissie Watts and Jane Beale for short stints.

Meanwhile Patsy Palmer, Michael French and Louisa Lytton are all set to return as Bianca Jackson, David Wicks and Ruby Allen.

Could Lindsey be joining them to save her Sonia from prison?

Sonia is currently inside awaiting trial for murdering Debbie Colwell with viewers knowing that it was Reiss who killed his comatose wife and not Sonia.

Bianca returns soon and attempts to prove Sonia’s innocence and she will be joined by her dad David Wicks.

Could Carol be far behind?