BBC EastEnders confirms major new family as Nicola Mitchell’s relatives arrive in Walford

EastEnders has confirmed that a brand new family is heading to Albert Square, with Nicola’s long estranged relatives finally making their way to Walford.

Viewers have already learned that Nicola has kept her family at a distance for years, with their fractured relationship frequently hinted at on screen. Now, those long standing tensions are about to come to the surface as the Hawkins family arrive, bringing fresh faces, unresolved history and plenty of emotional baggage with them.

The new arrivals include Gemma, her husband Ned and their son Ryder, who will be joined by Nicola’s mother Rose and younger sister Jodie. Their arrival promises to shine a light on Nicola’s past while introducing a whole new family dynamic to Albert Square.

The BBC has also confirmed the actors taking on the new roles. Patricia Potter, who viewers may recognise from Holby City, will play Gemma, while Beyond Paradise star Jamie Bamber has been cast as Ned. Felix Uff will appear as Ryder, Marian McLoughlin will play family matriarch Rose and Anna Constable takes on the role of Jodie.

Executive Producer Ben Wadey said the Hawkins family would become an exciting new addition to the Square.

He explained: “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.”

The cast have also spoken about joining one of Britain’s biggest soaps.

Patricia said she was delighted to become part of the iconic drama and praised the talented cast she would be working alongside.

Jamie revealed he had watched the very first episode of EastEnders as a child in 1985 and described joining Albert Square as a privilege he never imagined would happen.

Marian said she felt incredibly lucky to join such a cherished drama, while Felix described EastEnders as a staple of British culture and said he could not wait for viewers to see the Hawkins family shake things up.

Anna also shared her excitement, saying that growing up she never imagined a disabled actress like herself would land a role in EastEnders. She added that she was “loud and proud” and warned that viewers should watch out for Jodie’s arrival.

With Nicola’s difficult relationship with her family already established, the Hawkins’ arrival looks set to open the door to years of untold history. As old wounds resurface and loyalties are tested, viewers can expect the family to make an immediate impression on life in Walford.

EastEnders can be viewed on BBC One, while episodes are also available to stream and catch up on through BBC iPlayer.

Images: BBC used for editorial purposes only.

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