// Workers AI · dad joke modeWhat did the 2026 EastEnders list say to the wall? "You're always characteristically supporting me.

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EastEnders is a BBC soap opera that first aired on 19 February 1985. This is a list of characters who have debuted or are set to debut in 2026. All characters are introduced by the serial's executive producer, Ben Wadey.

The first character to appear in 2026 is Bea Pollard, portrayed by Ronni Ancona, who made her debut in January. Dawn Steele joined the soap in March, portraying Sandra Goodwin, the adoptive mother of Josh Goodwin (Joshua Vaughan). In April, Ivy Knight-Mitchell was introduced; she is the daughter of Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) and George Knight (Colin Salmon). Bruce (Tyler Kinhorn), the probation officer for Eddie Knight (Christopher Fairbank), debuted in May, followed by gangster Russell Delaney (Anthony Skordi). Sheila Atkins (Sheila Ruskin), the grandmother of serial killer Gray Atkins (Toby-Alexander Smith), first appeared in June, as well as Ria Virdi (Aaria Sharma), the foster daughter of Suki (Balvinder Sopal) and Eve Panesar-Unwin (Heather Peace). In July, the arrivals of DC Craig Ingram (Matthew James-Bailey) and Clive Masters (Jason Durr) took place. August introduced Nicola Mitchell's extended family, the Hawkins. This introduction began with her sisters, Gemma (Patricia Potter) and Jodie (Anna Constable), along with their mother Rose (Marian McLoughlin). They were later joined by Gemma's husband, Ned (Jamie Bamber), and their son, Ryder Hawkins (Felix Uff). Additionally, Darnell Larson Jr (Christopher Colquhoun), the long-lost half-brother of Denise Fox (Diane Parish), and his daughter, Grace Larson (Krysstina Frempong), were also introduced. In addition to the aforementioned arrivals, several other characters appear throughout the year.

Bea Pollard

Main article: Bea Pollard

Bea Pollard, played by Ronni Ancona, made her first appearance on 7 January 2026. Of her casting, Ancona said, "I am honoured to have been invited to join the iconic institution that is EastEnders, and to go on this whirlwind of a journey with such an unpredictable, nuanced and complex character as Bea. I hope audiences have as much fun watching her as I have had bringing her to life". Bea is introduced as an old school acquaintance of established character Linda Carter (Kellie Bright); the pair meet at a school reunion and it is revealed that the pair have very different recollections of their experiences at school. It was also teased that Bea would settle into Walford and would end up being at "the heart of the drama" and leaving a "lasting impression" on the characters she encounters.

Throughout her tenure, Bea has been shown to be a mentally unhinged, desperate and vulnerable person who reshapes herself into different versions of herself to please others. One of her major storyline arcs has included becoming obsessed with Honey Mitchell (Emma Barton) and attempting to steal her identity by moving in with her, getting the same job as her, taking out a credit card in her name and committing credit card fraud and dressing identically. She also endures a short-lived relationship with Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) until he discovers her crimes. Bea has been noted as a polarising character and has sparked discussion between viewers and critics about her intentions. The Metro has noted that some viewers love her, while some hate her, and she has dubbed "bizarre Bea", "Walford's weirdest" and "bonkers Bea". The character was the subject of viral posts in March 2025 when an anonymous person phoned into the Channel 5 chat show Vanessa impersonating Bea.

Sandra Goodwin

Sandra Goodwin
EastEnders character
Portrayed by	Dawn Steele
First appearance	Episode 7296 17 March 2026 (2026-03-17)
Last appearance	Episode 7345 10 June 2026 (2026-06-10)
Introduced by	Ben Wadey
In-universe information Brothers Ted Husband Keith Goodwin (backstory) Adoptive sons Josh Goodwin

Sandra Goodwin, played by Dawn Steele, first appeared in Episode 7296, broadcast on 17 March 2026. She is the adoptive mother of Josh Goodwin (Joshua Vaughan). Steele's casting was announced on 4 March 2026. Sandra arrives in Walford seeking answers about Jasmine Fisher (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness), Josh's biological twin sister and her former foster daughter, after she sees on the news that Jasmine has killed her and Josh's biological father, Anthony Trueman (Nicholas Bailey). When Sandra arrives in Walford, Josh follows her, unbeknownst his birth family are in the area.

Steele was contracted on a guest contract. Speaking on her casting, she said: "I was thrilled to be asked to play the role of Sandra who arrives and throws a spanner or two into the Square!". She was impressed by Sandra's characterisation and the storyline, hoping viewers would be "thrilled with another piece of the puzzle ahead of [Jasmine's] trial". Steele previously portrayed Ange Godard on fellow BBC series Holby City, which was filmed at BBC Elstree Centre; the same place where EastEnders is filmed. Of this, Steele said: "It was so great to go back to Elstree after the end of Holby City. Lots of the same crew (and a few cast!) are still there so it was joyful to see them all again. Everyone was so welcoming and I really enjoyed learning new ways of filming, it really is a well-oiled machine, and everyone works so hard."

Ivy Knight-Mitchell

Ivy Knight-Mitchell
EastEnders character
Portrayed by	Uncredited
First appearance	Episode 7306 2 April 2026 (2026-04-02)
Introduced by	Ben Wadey
In-universe information Father George Knight Mother Nicola Mitchell Half-brothers Junior Knight Harry Mitchell Barney Mitchell Half-sisters Gina Knight Anna Knight Grandfathers Eddie Knight (adoptive) Grandmothers Rose Hawkins

Ivy Knight-Mitchell is the daughter of Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) and George Knight (Colin Salmon), introduced during Episode 7306, broadcast on 2 April 2026. Ivy's birth was written into the soap as a "harrowing storyline" since she is born prematurely. EastEnders sought advice from British infancy charity Bliss to present the storyline accurately and sensitively. The story sees Nicola and George "navigate an emotionally challenging and unexpected turn in their co-parenting journey". Due to complications with her birth, Ivy is delivered through Nicola undergoing an emergency caesarean.

Executive producer Wadey felt it important to show the challenges and concerns of neonatal care with a premature baby, as well as the impact it has on Ivy's family. Annelies Hopkins, information and support manager at Bliss, hoped the storyline would show what it means to have a baby prematurely. She explained: "As the UK's leading charity representing babies born premature or sick [...] we were grateful to be consulted on this important EastEnders storyline, which shines a light on the unexpected, distressing and often traumatic experience of having a baby in neonatal care."

Bruce

Bruce, portrayed by Tyler Kinghorn, is the probation officer of Eddie Knight (Christopher Fairbank), who appeared in two episodes airing 7 and 11 May 2026. He appeared as Nicola Mitchell (Doddington) allowed him to stay with her and his adopted son George (Salmon), whose biological father Eddie murdered. Bruce visited Nicola ahead of Eddie moving in. On 15 May 2026, Kinghorn announced his departure from the soap on his Instagram. He posted a series of screenshots of his time on Albert Square with the caption: "Had a wonderful time and experience playing Bruce on my TV Debut, on BBC ONE and looking forward to what the future holds."

Russell Delaney

Russell Delaney
EastEnders character
Portrayed by	Anthony Skordi
First appearance	Episode 7310 13 May 2026 (2026-05-13)
Last appearance	Episode 7333 20 May 2026 (2026-05-20)
Introduced by	Ben Wadey
In-universe information Occupation Gangland Boss Wife Joanne Delaney

Russell Delaney, portrayed by Anthony Skordi, is the crime boss of Mark Fowler Jr (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) mentioned indirectly multiple times the prior year with connections to established characters Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) and Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara). Skordi's casting was announced on 12 May 2026 and was described as a "ruthless crime boss" by Michael Adams from Radio Times. He also described Russell to be "plaguing Mark off-screen for months". Delaney first appeared on 13 May 2026 after having his cronies bundle Mark into a car. Regarding Delaney's casting, Adams revealed: "Soap fans will meet Russell later this week, and he'll reappear again prior to Nigel Bates's (Paul Bradley) funeral, as news reaches Albert Square that Mark has seemingly vanished into thin air."

Russell first appears after being contacted by Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp), who Russell knew in the 1990s alongside his siblings Phil (Steve McFadden) and Sam (Kim Medcalf), due to his son Mark (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) previously working Russell and now owes him £100k. Grant attempts to get Mark more time but his attitude angers Russell, who punches Grant for previously sleeping with his wife Joanne. Grant punches Russell to the floor and makes it clear Mark won't anything just as Phil interrupts, leading Russell to double Mark's debt and threatening to kill Mark if he doesn't pay on time. The next day, Russell breaks into the house of Mark's sister Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) and threatens her, informing Vicki about Mark's troubles and warning her he has a week to pay him.

Sheila Atkins

Sheila Atkins
EastEnders character
Portrayed by	Sheila Ruskin
First appearance	Episode 7350 18 June 2026 (2026-06-18)
Last appearance	Episode 7382 13 August 2026 (2026-08-13)
Introduced by	Ben Wadey
In-universe information Sons Alex Atkins Grandsons Gray Atkins Other relatives Mia Atkins Mackenzie Atkins Jordan Fox

Sheila Atkins, portrayed by Sheila Ruskin, is the grandmother of Gray Atkins (Toby-Alexander Smith) who first appeared in episode 7350, broadcast on 18 June 2026. Ruskin's casting was announced on 9 June and her character would appear as part of Gray's return storyline. Sheila meets up with Gray's ex-wife, Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams) and her half-sister Libby (Belinda Owusu) after the former admits that Sheila has sent Chelsea many cheques that she has never cashed for their son, Jordan Fox (Jahsaiah Williams), who has recently undergone life-saving surgery on his spine after a road accident. Adams from Radio Times reported: "After some support from Libby, Chelsea bravely meets with Sheila and is relieved to hear that she's no longer in touch with Gray." He continued: "Sheila offers to help Jordan financially, and although Chelsea initially accepts the cash, she's left guilt-ridden and returns it."

Ria Virdi

Ria Virdi
EastEnders character
Portrayed by	Aaria Sharma
First appearance	Episode 7354 25 June 2026 (2026-06-25)
Introduced by	Ben Wadey
In-universe information Mother Harleen Adoptive mother Suki Panesar-Unwin (foster) Eve Panesar-Unwin (foster)

Ria Virdi, portrayed by Aaria Sharma, is introduced as the foster daughter of Suki (Balvinder Sopal) and Eve Panesar-Unwin (Heather Peace) who first appeared in episode 7354, broadcast on 25 June 2026. She first appears when Suki and Eve's adopting agent Robin Dawson (Alistair Cope) brings her to meet them. Sharma's casting was announced via an Instagram post on 18 June 2026 by her talent agency TTA Kids with the caption: "Welcome to Albert Square Aaria!"

An EastEnders insider told Digital Spy: "It looks like Suki and Eve's dream is finally coming true, as young girl Ria is placed in their care! After a dramatic week, packed with twists and turns, the couple get the chance to be mums together at last." They continued: "Things don't go entirely smoothly to begin with, but Suki and Eve are putting on a united front and are totally focused on building their new family."

Cleo Marshall

Cleo Marshall
EastEnders character
Portrayed by	Mazz Murray
First appearance	Episode 7366 16 July 2026 (2026-07-16)
Last appearance	Episode 7367 17 July 2026 (2026-07-17)
Introduced by	Ben Wadey
In-universe information Husband Ross Marshall (backstory) Matt (2025–present) Sons Joel Marshall

Cleo Marshall, portrayed by Mazz Murray, is the ex-wife of Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw) and the mother of Joel Marshall (Max Murray). She arrived in Albert Square on 16 July 2026 after Joel was released from a young offenders institute, where he has served a six-month sentence for violently attacking his stepmother, Vicki Fowler (Haig). Mazz's casting was announced two days prior, and she is the real-life aunt of Max Murray, who portrays Joel Marshall. As Cleo arrives and Joel is released, Ross and Vicki return from honeymoon with the shock of the news that Joel can't live with her despite previous arrangements. This puts a strain on Ross and Vicki's relationship. Adams from Radio Times revealed that this would be a guest role and Mazz would only appear in two episodes.

Speaking about her casting, Mazz said: "It was so wonderful to be part of these EastEnders episodes as we delve into Joel's familial past, and my experience was made all the better working alongside my talented, gorgeous nephew Max. And also, my childhood school friend Alex Walkinshaw playing [Ross] my ex-husband!"

DC Craig Ingram

Craig Ingram
EastEnders character
Portrayed by	Matthew James-Bailey
First appearance	Episode 7367 20 July 2026 (2026-07-20)
Introduced by	Ben Wadey
In-universe information Occupation Detective Constable (Backstory)

DC Craig Ingram, portrayed by Matthew James-Bailey, is a detective constable who first appeared on 20 July 2026. He first appears when assigned to help Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) out when his superiors suspect that he is struggling to balance his workload with supporting his partner, Denise Fox (Diane Parish), through her cancer battle. James-Bailey's casting was announced on 11 July 2026 and it was confirmed that his character would be part of a major police storyline. James-Bailey is known for his previous soap role as series regular Ethan Williams in Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks between 2021 and 2024.

James-Bailey described his casting as a dream come true. He continued: "From it being the soundtrack to my childhood, always on in the background at home, to gathering around the TV with my family every Christmas, being able to play even a small part in such an iconic piece of British television is truly surreal." Executive producer Wadey spoke of James-Bailey's casting: "We're delighted to welcome Matthew to EastEnders, and he has been a fantastic addition to the cast. Craig's presence in Walford forms part of a storyline involving the Brannings that will unfold this summer."

In September 2026, it was announced that Craig would be involved in a storyline exploring the "reality of grooming", in which he grooms a teenage Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd). For this storyline, the serial announced a collaboration with the charities Barnardo's and the End Violence Against Women Coalition (EVAW), as well as experts in the field of sexual grooming, to address the issue effectively. Wadey noted the significance of accurate storytelling when addressing the sensitive subject matter and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to collaborate with Barnardo's and EVAW. In separate statements, Lynn Perry from Barnardo's and Janaya Walker from EVAW acknowledged the opportunity to partner with EastEnders, offering their joint expertise to enhance understanding of the issue through the storyline.

Clive Masters

Clive Masters
EastEnders character
Portrayed by	Jason Durr
First appearance	Episode 7368 21 July 2026 (2026-07-21)
Last appearance	Episode 7394 3 September 2026 (2026-09-03)
Introduced by	Ben Wadey
In-universe information Occupation Councillor

Clive Masters, portrayed by Jason Durr, is a local councillor who builds up a friendship with Linda Carter (Kellie Bright). Durr's casting was announced on 4 July 2026 and his character was introduced in July as part of a storyline to save the Walford Community Centre from redevelopment. Joe Anderton of Digital Spy revealed: "In upcoming scenes, Walford residents band together to save the centre, with Linda leading the charge. Supportive councillor Clive joins her, and the two strike up a friendship. But Linda soon realises that they've got some real chemistry." Upon his announcement, Durr had already begun filming for his role as Clive. Durr is known for his previous roles in long-running dramas Heartbeat between 1997 and 2003, and Casualty between 2016 and 2023.

Durr spoke about his casting: "Few shows command their place in the national conversation quite like EastEnders, so I'm delighted to be joining the cast as Clive Masters. Working with the wonderful Kellie Bright has been an absolute joy and pleasure from day one." He continued: "All the cast, crew and production staff have been incredibly generous, welcoming and good humoured. I'm excited for audiences to meet Clive and see what's in store."

Gemma Hawkins

Gemma Hawkins
EastEnders character
Portrayed by	Patricia Potter
First appearance	Episode 7383 17 August 2026 (2026-08-17)
Introduced by	Ben Wadey
In-universe information Mother Rose Hawkins Sisters Nicola Mitchell Jodie Hawkins Husband Ned Hawkins Sons Ryder Hawkins Nephews Harry Mitchell Barney Mitchell

Gemma Hawkins, portrayed by former Holby City star Patricia Potter, is the older sister of Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington), made her first appearance during Episode 7383, broadcast on 17 August 2026. Potter's casting was announced on 31 July. The serial had previously teased the arrival of Nicola's extended family after she shared a call with Gemma in the episode airing 30 July 2026. The soap also shared a teaser the same day posting a photo of suitcases and boxes with "Hawkins family" written on them. The arrival of the Hawkins family is due to open "old wounds and complicated family dynamics" and are "set to make an explosive impact on the Square".

Gemma arrives in Walford as she speeds and crashes into a peacock statue outside of Elaine Peacock's (Harriet Thorpe) bed and breakfast. She seeks Nicola's help in dealing with a man named Leo, who is being abusive to Gemma's daughter, Megan.

Executive producer Wadey described the Hawkins family to be a "fantastic addition to Walford". He explained: "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." Potter also said she was "so delighted to be joining this iconic show as part of a new family" and that "a joy and a privilege to be working with such talented actors and wonderful people". She further expressed her excitement and gratitude for the role and her casting.

Jodie Hawkins

Jodie Hawkins
EastEnders character
Portrayed by	Anna Constable
First appearance	Episode 7383 17 August 2026 (2026-08-17)
Introduced by	Ben Wadey
In-universe information Mother Rose Hawkins Sisters Gemma Hawkins Nicola Mitchell Nephews Harry Mitchell Barney Mitchell Ryder Hawkins

Jodie Hawkins, portrayed by Anna Constable, is the younger sister of established character Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) and Gemma Hawkins (Patricia Potter), made her first appearance during Episode 7383, broadcast on 17 August 2026. Constable's casting was announced on 31 July. The serial previously teased the arrival of Nicola's extended family after she shared a call with Gemma in the episode airing 30 July 2026. The soap also shared a teaser the same day posting a photo of suitcases and boxes with "Hawkins family" written on them. Jodie's arrival alongside her other family members is due to open "old wounds and complicated family dynamics" and are "set to make an explosive impact on the Square".

Executive producer Wadey described the Hawkins family to be a "fantastic addition to Walford". He explained: "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." Constable spoke of her casting: "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."

Rose Hawkins

Rose Hawkins
EastEnders character
Portrayed by	Marian McLoughlin
First appearance	Episode 7383 17 August 2026 (2026-08-17)
Introduced by	Ben Wadey
In-universe information Daughters Gemma Hawkins Nicola Mitchell Jodie Hawkins Grandsons Harry Mitchell Barney Mitchell Ryder Hawkins Granddaughters Ivy Knight-Mitchell

Rose Hawkins, portrayed by Marian McLoughlin, is the mother of Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) who arrived alongside her two other daughters, Gemma Hawkins (Patricia Potter), and Jodie Hawkins (Anna Constable), made her first appearance during Episode 7383, broadcast on 17 August 2026. McLoughlin's casting was announced on 31 July of the same year. The show had previously teased the arrival of Nicola's extended family after she shared a call with Gemma in the episode airing 30 July 2026. The soap also shared a teaser the same day posting a photo of suitcases and boxes with "Hawkins family" written on them. Rose's arrival is due to open "old wounds and complicated family dynamics" and are "set to make an explosive impact on the Square".

Executive producer Wadey described the Hawkins family to be a "fantastic addition to Walford". He explained: "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." McLouglin spoke of her casting: "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."

Darnell Larson Jr

Darnell Larson Jr
EastEnders character
Portrayed by	Christopher Colquhoun
First appearance	Episode 7388 25 August 2026 (2026-08-25)
Introduced by	Ben Wadey
In-universe information Half-sisters Denise Fox Daughters Grace Larson Nephews Raymond Fox Nieces Chelsea Fox Other relatives Jordan Fox

Darnell Larson Jr is the half-brother of Denise Fox (Diane Parish), played by Christopher Colquhoun, who made his first appearance during Episode 7388, broadcast on 25 August 2026. Colquhoun's casting was announced on 11 August 2026.

On joining EastEnders, Colquhoun playfully referred to his casting as a "doof doof moment" for him. Executive producer Wadey detailed the arrival of Darnell as one that will serve as a "new branch" for the Fox and Trueman families.

Grace Larson

Grace Larson
EastEnders character
Portrayed by	Krysstina Frempong
First appearance	Episode 7389 26 August 2026 (2026-08-26)
Introduced by	Ben Wadey
In-universe information Father Darnell Lawson Jr Aunts Denise Fox First cousins Chelsea Fox

Grace Larson is the daughter of Darnell Larson Jr (Christopher Colquhoun) and the niece of Denise Fox (Diane Parish), portrayed by Krysstina Frempong, who made her first appearance during Episode 7389, broadcast on 26 August 2026. Frempong's casting was announced on 11 August 2026.

Frempong expressed her excitement for joining EastEnders, stating: "I have watched the show for as long as I can remember and have such vivid memories of gathering around the TV with my family, especially at Christmas, to watch all the drama unfolding on the Square, so it feels pretty surreal to now be a part of the action!" She referred to the experience of joining the cast as a surreal one and previewed the "complexities" she feels Grace will bring to the canvas. Executive producer Wadey detailed the arrival of Grace as one that will provide a "wider family network" for the canvas.

Ryder Hawkins

Ryder Hawkins
EastEnders character
Portrayed by	Felix Uff
First appearance	Episode 7391 31 August 2026 (2026-08-31)
Introduced by	Ben Wadey
In-universe information Father Ned Hawkins Mother Gemma Hawkins Grandmothers Rose Hawkins Aunts Nicola Mitchell Jodie Hawkins First cousins Harry Mitchell Barney Mitchell

Ryder Hawkins, portrayed by Felix Uff, is the son of Gemma Hawkins (Patricia Potter) and Ned Hawkins (Jamie Bamber), who made his first appearance during Episode 7391, broadcast on 31 August 2026. His casting was announced on 31 July. The serial previously teased the arrival of Nicola Mitchell's (Laura Doddington) extended family after she shared a call with Gemma in the episode airing 30 July 2026. The soap also shared a teaser the same day posting a photo of suitcases and boxes with "Hawkins family" written on them. The family's arrival is due to open "old wounds and complicated family dynamics" and are "set to make an explosive impact on the Square".

Executive producer Wadey described the Hawkins family to be a "fantastic addition to Walford". He explained: "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." Uff spoke of his casting: "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!"

Ned Hawkins

Ned Hawkins
EastEnders character
Portrayed by	Jamie Bamber
First appearance	Episode 7391 31 August 2026 (2026-08-31)
Introduced by	Ben Wadey
In-universe information Other names Ned Roper Occupation Therapist Military (back story) Wife Gemma Hawkins Sons Ryder Hawkins

Ned Hawkins (also Roper), portrayed by Jamie Bamber, is the husband of Gemma Hawkins (Patricia Potter) and father of Ryder Hawkins (Felix Uff), who made his first appearance during Episode 7391, broadcast on 31 August 2026. His casting was announced on 31 July 2026 and that he would be a member of Nicola Mitchell's (Laura Doddington) extended family. The show had previously teased the arrival of Nicola's extended family after she shared a call with Gemma in the episode airing 30 July 2026. The soap also shared a teaser the same day posting a photo of suitcases and boxes with "Hawkins family" written on them. The family's arrival is due to open "old wounds and complicated family dynamics" and are "set to make an explosive impact on the Square". Ned is a former member of the military who has retrained as a therapist specialising in the treatment of individuals with PTSD. His arrival in Walford is expected to create tension with Nicola.

Executive producer Wadey described the Hawkins family to be a "fantastic addition to Walford". He explained: "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." Bamber spoke about his casting: "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." He continued: "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." Bamber further teased a connection between Ned and Alfie Moon (Shane Richie), stating: "You find out very quickly that there's only two people he really knows, and that's Nicola and Alfie. But he doesn't know Alfie's the publican and that's a surprise to him." Ned's prior experience with bombs will come in handy, Wadey teased ahead of the character's debut.

Other characters

Character	Portrayer(s)	Episode date(s)	Details	Ref
Ethan Branning-Panesar	Uncredited	1 January 2026 16 September 2026–present	A baby under the guardianship of Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) whose life was saved by Max Branning (Jake Wood). Several months later, he is revealed to be the son of Penny Branning (Kitty Castledine) following a one-night-stand with Harry Mitchell (Elijah Holloway) before she started dating Vinny Panesar (Shiv Jalota).
Marcus	Neil Haigh	8, 12 January 2026, 1 July 2026	The landlord of Bea Pollard (Ronni Ancona) who evicts Bea from his flat when she cannot find her keys. Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) and Honey Mitchell (Emma Barton) arrive with her keys, which Honey mistakenly took, but he refuses to let her stay. Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) visits him several months later after Bea has terrorised him and spread lies about him. Marcus puts him into contact with Ruth (Rachael Spence), whose life was also affected by Bea's actions.
Ruth	Rachael Spence	2 July 2026	A former friend of Bea Pollard's (Ancona). She meets with Honey Mitchell (Barton) and Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) and confides in them about Bea. She reveals that she befriended Bea and moved her in, but after getting jealous of Ruth's marriage, Bea set fire to their house and killed their dog.