HOLBY CITY AND BEYOND PARADISE STARS JOIN EASTENDERS

EastEnders is introducing a new family to Walford with cast members from Holby City, Beyond Paradise and Doctors joining the soap. Patricia Potter, who appeared in Holby City, plays Gemma Hawkins, the estranged sister of established character Nicola Mitchell. Marian McLoughlin, previously nominated for Villain of the Year at the British Soap Awards, plays Rose Hawkins, the mother of Nicola. Jamie Bamber from Beyond Paradise plays Ned Roper, Gemma's husband, and Felix Uff plays their son Ryder.

The Hawkins family's arrival will centre on the strained relationship between Nicola and Gemma, which developed partly because their parents favoured Gemma. McLoughlin previously played Marina Bonnaire in Doctors, a health inspector whose behaviour turned violent when alone with a romantic partner. Her EastEnders character, Rose, did not display violence but blamed her daughter Nicola when her husband was violent, causing the family to fracture. Potter said she was "delighted to be joining this iconic show" and expressed gratitude at working with the cast and crew. McLoughlin stated: "Now in my 70s, this is an opportunity I never expected, and I am incredibly grateful to be part of such a cherished drama."

The family's introduction follows a phone call from Gemma to Nicola, prompting the move to Walford with "old wounds in tow". Their storyline is expected to affect the Mitchell family significantly. Both new cast members expressed enthusiasm about their roles in the long-running soap.