“I think in that moment she lets her ego get the better of her.”

EastEnders star Kitty Castledine has opened up about Penny and Chelsea’s upcoming feud.

Since arriving on the Square, Penny Branning (Castledine) has proven that she isn’t afraid to ruffle feathers. Viewers have seen the newcomer clash with those closest to her, including her dad Jack and cousin Lauren.

In scenes that will air next week, Penny will start up a new rivalry with her step-sister Chelsea Fox, after she steals her job as bar manager.

“She ends up persuading Chelsea to give her a trial shift at Peggy’s,” Castledine told Inside Soap, adding that it opens up the pair’s “step-sibling relationship”.

However, when Penny convinces Chelsea to have a drink while working, the latter is caught and demoted by owner Phil Mitchell.

“Penny basically ends up double-crossing Chelsea, and persuades Phil to give her the manager position! I think in that moment she lets her ego get the better of her,” Castledine revealed.

“Penny does love her family, but sometimes in the heat of the moment she forgets that. It does end up prompting some bad blood between Penny and Chelsea, which is a shame.”

Speaking about her issues with her loved ones, the actor explained why Penny struggles with familial relationships.

“I don’t think she’s used to having people around her who want to be with her and care for her. She has a coping mechanism where she tends to push people away, which is tricky when you’re in Walford and everyone relies on friends and family.”

She added: “It doesn’t really win her any friends, which is a shame, because Penny is so fun to be around.”

Elsewhere in the interview, Castledine shared what it was like to be part of “such an iconic family”. Praising her on-screen father Scott Maslen, she added: “There’s never a boring day when I’m working with Scott!”