EastEnders announces arrival of Nicola Mitchell's estranged relatives as Holby City star Patricia Potter joins the Hawkins family
A new family is moving in
EastEnders has announced the upcoming arrival of a new family as the Hawkins’s move into Albert Square this summer.
Nicola Mitchell’s sister Gemma, who she phoned last night (Thursday, July 30), will rock up in Walford with the rest of her family.
Nicola has a complex relationship with these relatives, so fans can expect lots of drama ahead.
EastEnders welcomes new Hawkins family to Albert Square
This summer, Nicola Mitchell‘s sister Gemma and her husband Ned will arrive onto the Square, bringing with them son Ryder. They’re also accompanied by Nicola’s other sister Jodie, and mum Rose. Of course, their adorable dog will also join them too.
The family’s arrival will bring some old wounds back up to the surface for Nicola as viewers find out why she keeps her distance from them.
There are a number of recognisable faces playing the characters, with former Holby City star Patricia Potter taking on the role of Gemma.
Beyond Paradise actor Jamie Bamber will play the role of Ned Roper, joined by Felix Uff as Ryder, Marian McLoughlin as Rose, and Anna Constable as Jodie.
The new arrivals have already started filming, and their first scenes are due to air later this summer.
EastEnders Executive Producer Ben Wadey teased: “The Hawkins family are a fantastic addition to Walford. While the family share a fierce loyalty to one another, decades of complicated history and Nicola’s estrangement from them has left fractures within the family that are far from healed. We’re all very excited for what we have planned for the family, and we can’t wait for the audience to meet them.”
Holby City star Patricia Potter speaks out on EastEnders arrival
Holby City star Patricia Potter has expressed her delight at being cast in the iconic British soap, sharing: “I am so delighted to be joining this iconic show as part of a new family. What a joy and a privilege to be working with such talented actors and wonderful people. I couldn’t be more excited and grateful!”
Jamie Bamber also said: “When 12-year-old me rushed home from school in 1985 to catch the very first episode of EastEnders, I could never have dreamed that one day I’d be walking onto the iconic Albert Square as a character myself. It’s a privilege I don’t take lightly, and I’m thrilled to be making my mark on this crown jewel of my beloved BBC.”
The excitement is a unanimous feeling, with Marian McLoughlin adding: “I feel so lucky to be joining such a brilliant cast and I can’t wait for the viewers to meet the Hawkins family. Now in my 70s, this is an opportunity I never expected, and I am incredibly grateful to be part of such a cherished drama.”
Felix Uff shared: “EastEnders is a staple of British culture and it’s a real privilege to join the cast. I can’t wait for everyone to see the Hawkins family shaking things up!”
And, finally, Anna Constable added: “Growing up watching EastEnders I never thought a disabled actress like me could ever land a role like this. But here I am loud and proud and taking no prisoners in mine or Jodie’s wake.”
Exciting things are coming, and the Hawkins family are definitely going to be ‘shaking things up.’
Read more: Who’s leaving and who is returning to EastEnders this year?
