In an exciting summer twist, EastEnders is set to introduce a new family to the ever-dramatic Albert Square, and viewers might recognize some of the faces among them.
The Hawkins clan, long kept at arm’s length by Nicola Mitchell (played by Laura Doddington), are gearing up for their arrival as Nicola’s previously alienated relatives.
Leading the Hawkins family, Patricia Potter, known for her role in Holby City, steps into the shoes of Gemma Hawkins. She is joined by Jamie Bamber of Beyond Paradise fame, portraying her on-screen husband Ned, while Felix Uff takes on the role of their son, Ryder, made famous for his performance in Amadeus.
Rounding out the family, Marian McLoughlin brings Gemma’s mother, Rose, to life, and Anna Constable embodies the character of Gemma’s sister, Jodie.
Carrying unresolved conflicts and complex relationships, the Hawkins family is poised to stir things up dramatically on Albert Square.
Ben Wadey, Executive Producer said: ‘The Hawkins family are a fantastic addition to Walford.’
Meet the Hawkins: Patricia Potter, Jamie Bamber, Marian McLoughlin, Laura Doddington, Anna Constable and Felix Uff are joining EastEnders as Gemma, Ned, Rose, Nicola Jodie and Ryder
The Hawkins are set to arrive as the estranged family of Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) after she spent years keeping them at bay
Patricia is best known for playing Diane Lloyd in Holby City while Jamie made a name for himself playing Archie Hughes in Beyond Paradise
He added: ‘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’.
On joining the show, Patricia said: ‘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 added: ‘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’.
Marian shared: ‘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 said: ‘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!’.
Anna concluded: ‘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’.
Michelle Ryan has been axed from EastEnders permanently just 12 months after she made her grand comeback, with her character Zoe Slater set to be killed off
While viewers will no doubt be pleased to see new faces on the Square, one star is set to be leaving for good.
Michelle Ryan has been axed from EastEnders permanently just 12 months after she made her grand comeback.
The actress, 42, returned to the BBC soap as Zoe Slater last June after a 20-year absence but she has already filmed her final scenes, which will air later this year.
There’s also no hope of Michelle making another comeback down the line, because her character Zoe has been killed off.
A source told the Daily Mail: ‘Michelle’s exit marks the end of a storyline that has been in the works for some time.
‘With such an iconic character, Zoe’s exit is never going to be without drama, but bosses are keeping tight-lipped about how she leaves the Square, but as always with the Slaters, it’s not going to be quiet.’
While fans had been delighted to hear of her return last year, and somewhat surprised seeing as she famously called the job ‘boring’, it’s said her grand comeback was ultimately a disappointment.
‘Michelle’s long-awaited return has been somewhat flat and lacklustre,’ a source told The Sun on Sunday.
‘There’s been a backlash about her comeback, leaving some fans disappointed with her on-screen presence.
‘There has been some disappointment backstage that the return was short-lived as everyone loved the Zoe Slater’s historic moments.’
An EastEnders spokeswoman told Daily Mail: ‘We can confirm Zoe Slater will be departing EastEnders later this year. We wish Michelle Ryan all the best for the future.
‘However, we never comment on future storylines as we don’t want to spoil it for the viewers.’