George Knight in EastEnders: Queen Vic landlord, former British heavyweight champion, serious history with Cindy Beale and just how tall he *really* is
How much do you know about George Knight?George Knight has become one of EastEnders‘ most popular characters – and we can see why! Played by Colin Salmon, George is kind and charismatic.
Elaine Peacock’s then-boyfriend arrived on the scene in 2023 to take over The Queen Vic pub with his girls. He instantly become a favourite and it didn’t take him long to get involved in plenty of Walford drama.
Let’s take a look at the former landlord of The Vic and all we know about him.
Who is George Knight in EastEnders?
George Knight (born Kwame Asare) is the proud dad to Anna, Gina and Junior. He is married to Elaine Peacock and, stepfather to Linda Carter.
George’s journey has been nothing short of dramatic during his time in Walford. His storylines have included everything from shock DNA twists to love affairs.
George first set foot in the square back on June 1, 2023, with the rest of the Knight clan – who bought into The Queen Vic pub.
How old is George Knight in EastEnders?
George Knight was born on March 18, 1967, making him 58. In real life, actor Colin Salmon is 62.
George Knight adopted in upsetting circumstances
When George was two, he was adopted by Eddie and Gloria Knight. His biological parents are Henry Asare and Margaret Asare.
Last year, George learned the shocking news that he had been bought as part of a ‘baby farming’ scheme and that his adoptive father had killed his real dad when he attempted to reunite with his son.
Both sets of George’s parents are gone. Eddie’s locked up, mum Gloria is dead, and his birth mother also passed too. Soon after learning the truth, he discovered that he has two brothers in Kojo and Kobina Asare.
Kojo is now happily settled in in Walford with George.
How tall is George in EastEnders?
It’s fair to say George’s height has got plenty of fans talking over the years. Actor Colin Salmon comes in at 6ft 4.
Boxing career and brain injury
Back in the day, George was a British heavyweight champion. He defended his title four times and even Jack Branning witnessed George beat someone within an inch of their life.
Last year though, and following his shock family revelations, George spiralled and got back into the dangerous sport. He become involved in illegal underground boxing.
The Queen Vic landlord almost died too, and was taken to hospital after a head injury. A CT scan revealed he had a brain condition and was one blow away from death.
But George struggled to stop his boxing addiction as it helped his stress levels. But it was only when he came face-to-face with son Junior in the ring that he stopped fighting for good.
George Knight and Rose aka Cindy Beale in EastEnders
George’s arrival on the soap was followed by Cindy Beale’s epic return 25 years after she was killed off-screen. It was revealed that Cindy (under a fake name, Rose) was married to George a few years back – and they ended up having two daughters, Gina and Anna.
Living in Marbella, the pair ended up splitting in 2014 when Cindy found out daughter Lucy had died, leaving George, and the girls, devastated.
George was left seriously depressed over Rose aka Cindy’s exit. He didn’t hear from her her years. Fortunately, he then found love again with Elaine Peacock – the mum of Linda Carter.
Fast forward to 2023, and once George and the rest of the Knights were in Walford, he was soon suspected of killing the mysterious Rose. However the truth was far more dramatic – Rose was Cindy Beale who had been in witness protection for years.
Cindy soon arrived back in Walford too – and since then, it’s fair to say it’s been absolute carnage for the Knights and Beales.
Who attacked Cindy Beale?
George was central in the Christmas 2024 storyline when Cindy’s affair with his son Junior came to light and she was attacked.
Cindy had been on a mission to win George back, but despite sharing a kiss or two, he remained devoted to Elaine, insisting she was his future. Cindy then turned her attentions to Junior, George’s estranged son. They started a hot affair behind her partner Ian’s back.
Although Junior saw it as a serious relationship, Cindy was only ever using him as a George substitute. When the truth came out at Christmas, Cindy was rejected and packed to leave Walford. But she was attacked and left for dead before she could go anywhere.
George was a suspect in her assualt, but it turned out it was Kathy Beale, Ian’s mum, who did it.
40th anniversary explosion and rebuilding The Queen Vic
When the soap celebrated its 40th anniversary in February 2025 it did so by exploding George and Elaine’s beloved boozer, The Queen Vic. Cindy almost died, Martin Fowler did die and George, Lainey, Linda and the girls were left homeless and staying with Sonia.
The Knights managed to rebuild The Vic bigger, better and blingier than ever, but didn’t stick around for long…
Split from Elaine and losing The Vic
George lost everything after learning that Elaine had cheated on him with a one-night-stand. While they tried to make it work, it soon became clear that their differences were irreconcilable, and the pair decided to split.
Soon after that, Linda made the decision to sell up, firmly closing the door on George’s pub landlord era.
Relationship with Nicola Mitchell
Now a single man, George embarked upon a steamy relationship with Nicola Mitchell. While tensions arose thanks to Harry getting Kojo involved in the drug trade (although he was really trying to save his friend), the pair are back on a relatively even keel now.
Well, they need to be – as Nicola is currently pregnant with George’s child! With her ex-husband Teddy Mitchell no longer in the picture (having taken the rap for killing dealer Okie), they’re giving co-parenting a go.
But can George really handle the force of nature that is Nicola Mitchell?
