EastEnders Summer Shocker: New Family Arrives!

This summer, EastEnders will introduce the Hawkins family, a group whose arrival is anticipated to have an 'explosive impact.' The new characters are estranged relatives of Nicola Mitchell, and their integration into Walford is expected to stir up 'old wounds' and complex family issues.

The Hawkins family includes Nicola's mother, Rose (Marian McLoughlin), and her sisters Gemma (Patricia Potter) and Jodie (Anna Constable). Jamie Bamber joins as Ned, Gemma's husband, and their son Ryder will be played by Felix Uff. Executive producer Ben Wadey expressed excitement for the family's storylines, noting their fierce loyalty is tested by years of fractured relationships.

Several actors have shared their enthusiasm for joining the iconic show. Patricia Potter, known for her roles in medical soaps, called it a 'joy and a privilege.' Jamie Bamber, a seasoned actor with credits in NCIS and Battlestar Galactica, expressed a lifelong dream of joining EastEnders. Marian McLoughlin, who previously had a minor role in the series, feels grateful for this unexpected opportunity in her seventies.

Anna Constable highlighted the significance of her role as a disabled actress on the show, aiming to be 'loud and proud.' Felix Uff described joining the long-running soap as a 'real privilege' and a 'staple of British culture.' The precise nature of the Hawkins family's history and their relationship with Nicola Mitchell remains a key element of the upcoming drama.