EastEnders has announced a new family will arrive on Albert Square this summer, bringing several familiar faces to the long-running BBC soap.
The Hawkins are the estranged family of Nicola Mitchell, played by Laura Doddington, who has spent years keeping them at bay. The clan arrives with old wounds and complicated family dynamics that producers promise will make an explosive impact on the Square.
Meet the Hawkins
Holby City star Patricia Potter joins as Gemma Hawkins, best known for playing Diane Lloyd in that series. Her on-screen husband Ned is played by Jamie Bamber, who made his name as Archie Hughes in Beyond Paradise. Their son Ryder is played by Felix Uff, known for the film Amadeus.
Gemma's mother Rose will be played by Marian McLoughlin, and Gemma's sister Jodie is played by Anna Constable.
Executive Producer Ben Wadey said the Hawkins are a fantastic addition to Walford, noting that decades of complicated history and Nicola's estrangement have left fractures within the family that are far from healed.
Potter said she is delighted to be joining such an iconic show as part of a new family, describing it as a joy and a privilege to work with such talented actors.
Bamber said that when he was 12 years old and rushed home from school in 1985 to catch the very first episode of EastEnders, he could never have dreamed that one day he would be walking onto Albert Square as a character himself, calling it a privilege he does not take lightly.
McLoughlin, now in her 70s, said the opportunity was one she never expected and that she is incredibly grateful to be part of such a cherished drama.
Constable said that growing up watching EastEnders she never thought a disabled actress like her could land a role like this.
Michelle Ryan Exit
While new faces are arriving, one familiar name is departing for good. Michelle Ryan, 42, has been axed from EastEnders permanently, just 12 months after returning to the soap as Zoe Slater following a 20-year absence.
Ryan has already filmed her final scenes, which will air later this year. Her character Zoe has been killed off, ruling out any future return.
A source told the Daily Mail that Zoe's exit marks the end of a storyline that has been in the works for some time, and that as always with the Slaters, it will not be quiet. A separate source told The Sun on Sunday that Ryan's long-awaited return had been somewhat flat and lacklustre, with some fans disappointed with her on-screen presence.
An EastEnders spokeswoman confirmed to the Daily Mail that Zoe Slater will be departing later this year, wishing Ryan all the best for the future.
