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List of EastEnders characters introduced in 2023
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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EastEnders is a BBC soap opera that first aired on 19 February 1985.[1] The following is a list of characters that first appeared in 2023, in order of first appearance. All characters are introduced by the show's executive producer, Chris Clenshaw.[2] The first character to be introduced is Brett Nelson (Fabrizio Santino), a man from Zack Hudson's (James Farrar) past; he appears in January. Emma Harding (Patsy Kensit), the estranged mother of Lola Pearce (Danielle Harold), and Jed (Bradley Jaden), a lodger for Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy), also first appear in January. Jo Cotton (Vicki Michelle), the estranged wife of Tom "Rocky" Cotton (Brian Conley), and guest characters Shiv (Peter Caulfield) and Troy (Chris Evangelou) debut in March. Theo Hawthorne (William Ellis), the former teacher of Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier), first appears in April.
The Knight family – consisting of patriarch George Knight (Colin Salmon), his two daughters Gina Knight (Francesca Henry) and Anna Knight (Molly Rainford), and Tyson, their pet Chihuahua – are introduced in June. Jasper Parrott, Rocky's pet parrot, and DS Miles (Samantha Seager), a detective sergeant investigating Suki Panesar's (Balvinder Sopal) fall, also debut in June. Caz Johnston (Bryony Afferson), a woman from Eve Unwin's (Heather Peace) backstory, appears in August. September features the introductions of Charli Slater, the newborn daughter of Lily Slater (Lillia Turner) and Ricky Branning (Frankie Day), and Nadine Keller (Jazzy Phoenix), a love interest for Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick). The following month, Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan Levy), the former partner of Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara), and their daughter, Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James), joined the cast. Pastor Clayton (Howard Saddler) made his first appearance in December. Additionally, multiple other characters were featured during the year.
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Brett Nelson
Brett Nelson, played by Fabrizio Santino, first appears in episode 6625, originally broadcast on 9 January 2023.[3] The character and Santino's casting details were announced on 29 December 2022.[3] Brett is introduced as someone from Zack Hudson's (James Farrar) past. He is described as "enigmatic".[3] Producers used the characters of Brett and Zack to explore the issue of HIV and worked with the charity Terrence Higgins Trust to develop the story. Having previously tackled the issue in the 1990s using the character of Mark Fowler (Todd Carty), EastEnders aims to highlight the developments in HIV research in the last 30 years.[4] The shared backstory between Brett and Zack states that the latter contracted HIV from Brett after they shared needles from steroid injections.[5] The character makes his final appearance in episode 6631, originally broadcast on 19 January 2023.[6]
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Emma Harding
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Emma Harding, played by Patsy Kensit, first appears in episode 6635, originally broadcast on 25 January 2023.[7] The character and Kensit's casting details were first reported on 5 November 2022,[8] with further details announced on 20 December 2022.[9] Emma is introduced as the estranged mother of established character Lola Pearce (Danielle Harold), who is terminally ill with a brain tumour.[9] Kensit was contracted for a "short stint" and began filming in November 2022.[9][8] Chris Clenshaw, the show's executive producer, thought Emma shared some similarities with Lola, including "a striking resemblance; successful, the capacity to hold her own [...] and she's a fighter".[9] He noted that Emma is also "softly spoken and measured", unlike Lola.[9]
The character's backstory states that she left Lola and her father, Dan, when Lola was three years old.[9] Clenshaw explained that Emma wants to reconcile with her daughter, having felt guilty since she left.[9] Kensit expressed her joy at appearing in the soap and praised the show's cast and production team.[9] Clenshaw called Kensit the "perfect fit" for the character of Emma, who he described as "a long-awaited character that we know very little about".[9] He added, "Patsy's portrayal is bound to set off fireworks in Walford and cause havoc for the Mitchell household."[9] The character appears across two months, departing in episode 6672, originally broadcast on 30 March 2023. Her exit was described as "heartwrenching" by Justin Harp of Digital Spy.[10] Kensit made a cameo appearance as Emma in episode 6722, originally broadcast on 27 June 2023, following Harold's departure. In the narrative, an upset Emma delivers flowers to Lola's funeral.[11] Kensit's second return was reported on 22 July 2023 by Laura Armstrong of the Daily Mirror. A show publicist explained that the actress had impressed producers and was surprised to be invited back. She had already begun filming her return.[12] Emma returns in the episode broadcast on 11 September 2023.[13]
Lola's grandfather, Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick), tracks Emma down after Lola expresses a wish to meet her mother before she dies. Emma admits that she is always thinking about Lola, but declines an invite to her wedding that day. Despite this, she visits Walford, where Lola lives, and watches her and her husband, Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick), from afar. Emma books an appointment at Fox & Hair salon, where Lola works, under the name Nicole; they bond but Emma does not reveal her identity. She is then upset to learn that Lola is terminally ill through watching her online vlogs. When Lola tells Emma about her daughter, Lexi Pearce (Isabella Brown), being bullied, Emma visits the school and threatens the bully. Emma anonymously delivers an envelope of money to Lola, who is concerned about the delivery. When Emma books another appointment with Lola and tips her cash, Lola becomes suspicious and accuses Emma of delivering money. As Emma explains that she is trying to help Lola, Billy and Jay enter and reveal that Emma is Lola's mother. Although Lola is initially against speaking to Emma, she relents when Emma explains that Dan was an abusive alcoholic who hospitalised her when he threw boiling water over her. She adds that Dan then took Lola away and lied that Emma had abandoned her; Lola does not believe her but changes her mind when Emma shows her the scars from the incident.
Emma tries to rebuild her relationship with Lola, but Billy and Jay are suspicious of her intentions. Lola struggles with Emma's overbearing behaviour and asks for some space. Before leaving, Emma gives Lexi a locket with her phone number in. A few weeks later, Lexi calls Emma to inform her of Lola's deterioration. Whilst initially angry that Emma gave her phone number to Lexi, Lola soon reconciles with Emma, who becomes wary of Jay. At Peggy's bar, Emma spots Jay and another woman talking and assumes they are having an affair; she tells Lola, who throws Jay out. After speaking to Jay's former girlfriend, Honey Mitchell (Emma Barton), Emma realises that she was wrong and apologises. Emma, Lola and Lexi then spend Mother's Day together, which upsets Lexi, who wanted to spend the day alone with Lola. Emma supports Lola, Jay and Lexi when they arrange a charity fundraiser, but she is devastated when Lola learns that her tumour is incurable and she has six months to live. Emma confides in Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf) that she believes Lola is better off without her. Emma then tells Lola that she has been offered a job in America. Lola is furious with Emma for considering leaving her again and tells her that she never wants to see her again. Two months later, Lola dies. Emma arrives at her funeral with a large bouquet of flowers, but becomes overwhelmed and leaves.
Emma returns three months later, after it is revealed that Lexi has been texting her for weeks, confiding in her after being bullied at secondary school. She meets with Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden), Lexi's father, and warns him about Lexi's bullying. Ben angrily orders Emma to leave but his husband, Callum Highway (Tony Clay), agrees to meet up with Emma to discuss Lexi. After having a drink at Peggy's, Emma has sex with Ben's father, Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), who is about to marry Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace). Emma tries to blackmail Phil into arranging regular contact for her and Lexi, but he threatens her instead. Emma soon leaves again and is forced by Phil to discontinue contact with Lexi.
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Jed
Jed, played by Bradley Jaden, first appears in episode 6638, originally broadcast on 31 January 2023.[14] The character and Jaden's casting details were announced on 24 January 2023.[14] Jed is introduced as a lodger for Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) at number 25 Albert Square. He is billed as a "free spirit" who charms Sonia.[14] Lewis Knight from the Radio Times suggested that Jed may be involved in a love triangle with Sonia and Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman).[14] The character departs in episode 6644, originally broadcast on 10 February 2023, when he is evicted.[15]
Shiv
Shiv (credited as Shifty Shiv), played by Peter Caulfield, first appears in episode 6667, originally broadcast on 22 March 2023.[16] The character and Caulfield's casting details were announced on 14 March 2023.[17] Shiv is introduced as a "shifty" loan shark who loans money to Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner).[17] He is billed as "nasty" and a "villainous character".[17] The character is created as part of a story exploring the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on families.[17] Turner explained that Stacey is scared of Shiv because "he's not a normal thug, he's a creepy thug."[18] The character makes his final appearance in episode 6678, originally broadcast on 11 April 2023.[19]
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Troy
Troy, played by Chris Evangelou, first appears in episode 6669, originally broadcast on 27 March 2023.[20] Evangelou's casting was publicised in a social media post by co-star Max Bowden on 22 March 2023.[21] Details about the character were then announced on 27 March 2023.[20] Troy is introduced as a boxer at the Boxing Den gym, a new set on the show. Evangelou is a former professional boxer and was cast in a guest role.[20] The character appears in a story with Ben Mitchell, portrayed by Bowden, as Ben takes up boxing at the gym. Bowden enjoyed working with Evangelou on the story.[20] Evangelou was excited to be cast in the soap and felt "grateful for this opportunity".[20]
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Jo Cotton
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Jo Cotton, played by Vicki Michelle, first appears in episode 6671, originally broadcast on 29 March 2023. Michelle's casting in the soap was reported on 4 February 2023.[22] Details about her character were announced by executive producer Chris Clenshaw during an interview on Loose Women on 24 February 2023.[23] The character had been referenced in episode 6596, first broadcast on 23 November 2022.[24] Jo is introduced as the estranged wife of established character Tom "Rocky" Cotton (Brian Conley), who is engaged to Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth).[23] Jo is characterised as "brash, quick-witted, and extremely glamorous" by Clenshaw.[25] The character's backstory states that Jo and Rocky have been married for 25 years. Producers kept most details about the backstory embargoed.[25]
Michelle was contracted to appear in two episodes and began filming in February.[22] The character departs in episode 6672, originally broadcast on 30 March 2023.[26] Appearing on Lorraine, Michelle told host Lorraine Kelly that she wanted the role to be developed into a regular position.[27] Michelle's return was reported in June 2023 as part of her character's story with Rocky. Jo's return also assisted in the introduction of Rocky's pet parrot Jasper.[28] Michelle confirmed that she would return for episodes 6713 and 6714, originally broadcast on 12 and 13 June 2023, respectively.[29] Michelle returned again in July 2023 for four episodes centring around Rocky and Kathy's wedding.[30] Lewis Knight from the Radio Times predicted that the character would return again to "cause more trouble".[30]
As part of Jo's introduction, she is contacted by Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier) and arrives at Kathy's house. Conley explained that Rocky is "devastated" by Jo's arrival and "watches on in horror" as Jo meets Kathy.[31] He added that "all hell is going to break loose" through Jo's introduction.[31] Michelle expressed her delight at the character and story.[25] The actress enjoyed working with Conley and Taylforth, who she already knew before filming. She told Ashleigh Rainbird of the Daily Mirror that she was nervous for filming and accidentally messed up one line five times, but found reassurance from her co-stars.[32] Having been raised in the East End of London, Michelle felt the role was right for her and used her native accent when playing Jo.[32] Clenshaw was delighted to welcome Michelle to the cast and deemed her the "perfect fit to take on the elusive character of Rocky's wife".[25] He praised the scenes between Jo, Rocky and Kathy, calling them "brilliant".[23]
The character received a positive reception from critics and viewers alike. Grace Morris of What to Watch called her arrival "explosive" and predicted that she could be reintroduced in the future.[26] She also noted that the audience liked the character and her "sassy one-liners", hoping that Michelle would join the show's main cast.[26] Likewise, MyLondon's Angie Quinn praised her "sarcastic insults and glamorous looks" and observed that she had "instantly become a hit with impressed EastEnders viewers".[33]
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Theo Hawthorne
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Theo Hawthorne, played by William Ellis, first appears in episode 6675, originally broadcast on 5 April 2023.[34] The character and Ellis' casting details were announced on 29 March 2023.[35] Theo is introduced as the former teacher of Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier).[35] Their shared backstory states that Theo would humiliate Freddie in front of his peers. This leads to his arrival when Freddie confronts him over his past actions.[35] The character appears as a "pivotal" part of Freddie's new story exploring attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) when he suggests that Freddie may have the condition.[35][36] Lucy Robinson from OK! praised the story in an article about symptoms of ADHD.[37]
After hearing about Stacey Slater's (Lacey Turner) current financial issues during the cost of living crisis, he buys her pregnant daughter Lily Slater (Lillia Turner) a pair of shoes. Stacey later tells Theo that he over stepped the mark, and it was left at that until Theo secretly gives the shoes back to Lily. The shoes are quickly noticed by Lily's friends, Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd), Denzel Danes (Jaden Ladega) and Davinder "Nugget" Gulati (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury), to which Lily tells them an older man has brought them her. After rising worries from friend Amy, Amy later tells Stacey that Lily still has the shoes, thus Stacey making Lily throw the shoes in the bin. After Lily fears about her financial stability towards her child, she calls Theo from Freddie's mobile phone. As money troubles increase in the Slater household, Theo gives Lily £50, telling her to tell her family that the money was from Ricky Mitchell (Frankie Day), the father of her unborn baby. Stacey's ex-husband Martin Fowler (James Bye) soon hears about Theo tutoring Lily for free and buying her shoes, he soon brings up these suspicions to Stacey, who shuts them down. Martin then goes to Theo's old school he used to be employed at seeking to find evidence and a receptionist there later tells Martin that he had an inappropriate relationship with someone at the school. Theo was later revealed as a stalker of Stacey's, after watching her online via webcams. Later, Theo is left by Stacey's mother Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) on his own with Lily, and she is rushed to hospital after stomach pains. Martin pushes Theo up against the wall in a rage. Stacey later tells Martin to give Theo a chance, to which he does. Eve Unwin (Heather Peace) asks Theo to attend the wedding of Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) and Tom "Rocky" Cotton (Brian Conley) as Stacey's +1, unaware that Stacey is trying to rekindle her relationship with Martin.
Theo later continues to stalk Stacey after being revealed as the stalker. Stacey takes a stand in the community centre to other angry parents after telling them about the whole stalking ordeal. Theo later prints inappropriate images of Stacey and later sticks them around Albert Square. When Stacey finds out this, she goes next door to where Theo has moved to have it out with him, but he has left for court as Stacey has reported him to the police and is waiting to obtain a Stalking Protection Order against Theo. Theo later breaks into the house after being acquitted by the judge and attempts to rape Stacey, but Freddie finds him and attacks him with an iron as he is not coping with the idea of his father Graham Foster (Alex McSweeney) raping his mother Little Mo Slater (Kacey Ainsworth). Freddie is later arrested for attempted murder. Theo is then not seen until he asks Stacey to meet him before the trial; she asks him to plead guilty to make it right. He later does and is sentenced.
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Debbie Colwell
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Debbie Colwell (also Collins), portrayed by Jenny Meier,[38] is the wife of Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman) who is in hospital under 24-hour care after experiencing a stroke in the bath, which left her with a bleed on the brain, unable to move or communicate. She first appeared in Episode 6694,[38] which originally aired on 9 May 2023 and initially made two appearances. Reiss had recently entered a relationship with Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) but kept his marriage a secret. When Sonia learns the truth, Reiss tries to explain by taking her to meet Debbie. He mentions that Debbie has a bad infection, so the hospital keep calling him. After they leave Debbie, Sonia tells Reiss that she cannot forgive him for lying.[38] Natalie Cassidy, who plays Sonia, discussed whether their relationship was really over, explaining: "When she orders him out of her life, it's more about that moment and feeling humiliated – it's her birthday and they were due to perform on stage in front of everybody in the Square – so everything quickly comes crashing down."[39] Sonia changes her mind and reconciles with Reiss; they decide to visit Debbie and watch Pointless, where Reiss falls asleep.[40] Debbie made a third appearance in Episode 6774,[41] which originally aired on 26 September 2023,[41] when Reiss pays her a visit after attending a hospital appointment with Sonia regarding IVF treatment. Having stolen money from Debbie's savings to pay for the treatment, he thanks her for giving them the money and promises to pay her back.[41]
Debbie next appeared in Episode 6923, originally broadcast on 10 June 2024,[42] when Sonia's half-sister, Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) senses that Reiss is not being completely honest with his finances when she catches him asking Debbie for money.[42] Bianca gave Reiss an ultimatum that if he didn't tell Sonia what he was up to, she would.[42] However, when Bianca does tell Sonia, she doesn't believe her and they end up falling out.[42] In Episode 6947, broadcasting on 22 July 2024,[43] Reiss began to draw together a plan to sort out his finances after discovering that Sonia is now pregnant.[43] Reiss received a phone call from Debbie's care home and he was told she would be moved unless he paid the £13.5k bill.[43] This led to him attempting to scam his boss, Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean).[43] In Episode 6949, airing on 24 July 2024, after Reiss "runs out of options,"[44] he smothered Debbie with a pillow in what was described to be a "shocking twist".[44] When Reiss returned home the next day, Sonia broke the news to him that Debbie had died, but had been told it could be due to pneumonia.[45]
On 25 July 2024, it was announced that after Debbie's murder, EastEnders were going to introduce her parents.[46] Nichola McAuliffe was cast as her mother, Brenda Collins,[46] and Michael Bertenshaw was cast as her father, Hugh Collins.[46] They arrived in Episode 6951, originally airing on 29 July 2024, with "plenty of questions,"[46] as Reiss has "got a lot of explaining to do."[46] They meet Sonia, who is Reiss's girlfriend, which has been described to "throw the cat among the pigeons as they dissect what that could mean for how their daughter suddenly died".[46] Justin Harp from Digital Spy described that "Reiss's in-laws also don't know he's been dating Sonia Fowler while Debbie lay in a coma. The Collinses will certainly have some uncomfortable questions for their son-in-law."[47]
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George Knight
George Knight, played by Colin Salmon, first appears in episode 6708, originally broadcast on 1 June 2023.[48] The character and Salmon's casting details were announced on 28 March 2023.[49] George is introduced as part of the Knight family, who buy into The Queen Victoria pub, a focal setting in the soap. The family consist of patriarch George, his two daughters Gina Knight (Francesca Henry) and Anna Knight (Molly Rainford), and their pet Chihuahua, Tyson. George's partner Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe), who is the mother of established character Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), is also introduced with the family.[49] Salmon began filming in March 2023.[50]
Anna Knight
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Anna Knight, played by Molly Rainford, first appears in episode 6708, originally broadcast on 1 June 2023.[48] Rainford's casting was first reported on 1 March 2023,[51] with the character and further details announced on 28 March 2023.[49] Anna is introduced as part of the Knight family, who buy into The Queen Victoria pub, a focal setting in the soap. The family consist of patriarch George Knight (Colin Salmon), George's two daughters Gina Knight (Francesca Henry) and Anna, and their pet Chihuahua, Tyson. George's partner Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe), who is the mother of established character Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), is also introduced with the family.[49] Anna is characterised as "fun, loveable, and big-hearted", but also someone not to be misjudged.[49] Chris Clenshaw, the show's executive producer, explained that the family have been "bound together for years" and moving to the show's setting of Walford creates "the fresh-start the Knights are looking for".[49] Rainford expressed her joy at joining the cast and commented, "it's an honour to bring the character Anna Knight to life who is set to stir up drama upon her arrival".[49] Clenshaw expressed his delight at casting a "hugely talented group of actors" and looked forward to their first scenes airing.[49]
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Gina Knight
Gina Knight, played by Francesca Henry, first appears in episode 6708, originally broadcast on 1 June 2023.[48] The character and Henry's casting details were announced on 28 March 2023.[49] Gina is introduced as part of the Knight family, who buy into The Queen Victoria pub, a focal setting in the soap. The family consist of patriarch George Knight (Colin Salmon), George's two daughters Gina and Anna Knight (Molly Rainford), and their pet Chihuahua, Tyson. George's partner Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe), who is the mother of established character Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), is also introduced with the family.[49]
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Tyson
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Tyson is the pet Chihuahua of the Knight family who first appears in episode 6714, originally broadcast on 1 June 2023.[48] The character was announced on 28 March 2023.[49] Tyson is introduced with the family, who buy into The Queen Victoria pub, a focal setting in the soap. The family consist of patriarch George Knight (Colin Salmon), George's two daughters Gina Knight (Francesca Henry) and Anna Knight (Molly Rainford), and their pet Chihuahua, Tyson. George's partner Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe), who is the mother of established character Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), is also introduced with the family.[49]
Tyson is described as the family's "beloved" pet dog.[49] Helen Daly from the Radio Times recognised that Tyson was an important part of the family. On the character, he wrote, "Tyson rarely leaves Anna's side and, in fact, has pride of place in her handbag when the family arrives in Walford!"[52]
Jasper Parrott
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Jasper Parrott is the pet parrot of Tom "Rocky" Cotton (Brian Conley) who first appears in episode 6714, originally broadcast on 13 June 2023.[53] Details about the character were reported on 13 May 2023.[54] Jasper, named after the comedian Jasper Carrott, has been living with Rocky's estranged wife, Jo Cotton (Vicki Michelle), since Rocky left her.[54] Michelle explained that Rocky and Jo bought Jasper together and loved him, but Rocky "really, really loved him".[55] During supposed divorce proceedings between the couple, Jo uses Jasper as a tool to hurt Rocky; Michelle commented, "She's out for vengeance!"[55] The character is referenced prior to his introduction with writers misleading the audience into believing Rocky has a secret son.[56] Scriptwriter Sharon Marshall told Holly Willoughby and Craig Doyle on This Morning that there had been issues with the parrot swearing on-set, calling Conley inappropriate names and disrupting filming.[56] Grace Morris from What to Watch observed that viewers predicted the character would be used to reveal "a major Walford secret".[57]
Jo visits Rocky to hand him divorce papers and as she leaves, she mentions Jasper, shocking Rocky.[58] Bobby Beale (Clay Milner Russell) overhears Rocky talking about Jo about "his boy" and assumes that Rocky has a son. He warns his grandmother, Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth), who is engaged to Rocky, about what he overheard. When Kathy confronts Rocky, he explains that Jasper is his parrot. Kathy then meets Jo and buys Jasper from her to surprise Rocky, who is delighted.[53]
DS Miles
DS Miles, played by Samantha Seager, first appears in episode 6714, originally broadcast on 13 June 2023.[53] The character and Seager's casting details were announced on 9 June 2023.[59] DS Miles is introduced as the detective sergeant investigating Suki Panesar's (Balvinder Sopal) fall after her husband, Nish Panesar (Navin Chowdhry) is suspected of attacking her.[59] The character arrives at "a pivotal time" in the story.[59] Seager was contracted for "several" episodes.[59]
Caz Johnston
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Caz Johnston, played by Bryony Afferson, first appears in episode 6749, originally broadcast on 14 August 2023.[60] The character and Afferson's casting details were announced on 8 August 2023.[61] Caz is introduced as a woman from Eve Unwin's (Heather Peace) backstory.[61] Peace worked with producers to develop a new story for her character, which led to the introduction of Caz. Their shared backstory is revealed on-screen; Caz was responsible for the death of Eve's twin sister, Erica. She killed Erica in a dangerous driving then left the scene of the accident, resulting in a prison sentence.[62] Peace described the character as "the most shocking person [Eve] could bump into".[63]
Lewis Knight of the Radio Times reported that Caz would initially hide her identity from Eve, but when she reveals who she is, it would leave Eve "reeling".[61] Peace explained that Caz's return causes buried emotions to resurface for Eve.[62] When Caz meets Eve again, she reveals that she was drunk while driving the car. Writers used this reveal to create fresh trauma for Eve. Peace told Knight that the news "sends her into an absolute rage".[62] The actress added that when the police decide not to reopen the case, Eve "decides to take matters into her own hands".[62] The character departs in episode 6754, originally broadcast on 22 August 2023. After being attacked by Eve, Caz is told to leave and sent her packing.[64]
Charli Slater
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Charli Branning Slater made her first appearance in episode 6762, originally broadcast on 5 September 2023. She is introduced as the new-born daughter of established characters Lily Slater (Lillia Turner) and Ricky Branning (Frankie Day).[65] The character was devised as part of a story exploring teenage pregnancy.[66] Writers named the character after the singer Charli XCX, who tweeted about the reference with the caption, "Shout out to my gays [sic] in the writers room!".[67]
Charli is conceived in December 2022 following a one-night stand between pre-teens Lily and Ricky.[68] On New Year's Day 2023, Lily is admitted to hospital alongside her mother Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner), grandmother Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) and Stacey's wife, Eve Unwin (Heather Peace), with carbon monoxide poisoning following a house party.[69] A doctor later informs Stacey that Lily has fallen pregnant at twelve years of age.[70] Lily later names Ricky as the father.[71] Lily considers terminating the pregnancy but decides against it after a heart-to-heart with Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace).[72]
In September 2023, 13-year-old Lily goes into labour whilst Stacey is held hostage in the kitchen after discovering the truth about her stalker Theo Hawthorne (William Ellis), and Charli is born at the Slater household after being delivered by Stacey and Jean.[73] She is named after the singer Charli XCX and shares the name with her deceased relative Charlie Slater (Derek Martin).[67] After her birth, Ricky announces that she is also being given the middle name Branning to honour his side of the family.[74] Lily struggles with motherhood at first, though continues to be guided by her mother Stacey and grandmother Jean. Lily becomes stressed and shouts at Charli, but is later comforted by Kat, who shares her own experience of when she became pregnant as a teenager with Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan).
Dorian Gates
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Dorian Gates, played by Hollywood actor Luke J I Smith,[75] is a boxing promoter who is put in contact with Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), the owner of The Boxing Den boxing gym, by mutual friend George Knight (Colin Salmon). He first appeared in episode 6766, which originally aired on 12 September 2023.[75] On 9 October 2023, nearly a month after his first appearance, The Mirror described his character to have "only been in Albert Square for five minutes but he's already caused quite a stir" and has "already made quite an impression on Albert Square residents since turning up to The Boxing Den to promote his fighters."[76]
Dorian supports Sharon and George in arranging a "Pie, Pint and Punch Up" joint event between The Boxing Den and The Queen Victoria pub, which George owns. He disagrees with Sharon's business partner, Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), over his suggestion of using local boxers instead of his promising young boxers.[75] Dorian and Sharon later meet for a drink and he tells her about how he began his multi-gym business empire in Abu Dhabi while raising his two toddlers. He suggests that she could get a job managing gyms in Abu Dhabi.[77] Sharon updates Dorian on the plans for the event; she reminds him that they just need his fighters. He then reveals that he has a friend in Abu Dhabi who is looking for someone with experience to support him in setting up a gym there, and suggests Sharon considers it.[78] Speaking to Radio Times, Dean said: "Dorian offers Sharon the chance to move to Abu Dhabi to set up shop in a new gym. It would obviously be a huge change for Sharon as Walford is her home, but with her relationship in tatters, I don't think she feels like there's much left to keep her there. It would be a great business move for her, and would offer security for Albie's future so it's very tempting."[76] She added: "It would also make the breakup a lot easier if there were thousands of miles between them instead of living just across the Square from each other. Plus I think she'd be pleased to see the back of Karen for a while!"[76]
Weeks later, Dorian, Sharon and George meet after the betting licence is secured. Dorian praises Sharon for getting press coverage of the event from the Walford Gazette newspaper. He suggests arranging catering for at the boxing gym, which Phil disagrees with, before inviting Sharon for a drink at the Vic that evening; she agrees. At the Vic, Dorian tells Sharon that the job in Abu Dhabi is still open and she can have it if she wants it.[79] The following day, Dorian presents Sharon with flowers and reveals that he has passed her phone number onto his friend in Abu Dhabi; he then invites her for a coffee date.[80] Dorian asks betting shop manager Olga Kubicka (Karolina Jelonek) to hand out flyers for the event to her customers. He gives a flyer to Tom "Rocky" Cotton (Brian Conley) and suggests he comes to the event.[81] The next day, he invites Rocky and Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman) to the event that night and tells them that there is an opportunity to place bets. At the event, he chats with George and offers Rocky a private bet on the fight.[82] Dorian returns two weeks later after Sharon learns that he fixed the boxing match; she refuses to pay his finder's fee. When Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters) interrupts their conversation with a baseball bat, Dorian warns Sharon that he will return with his heavies to receive his money.[83] He returns that evening with the heavies; Sharon gives the money and warns him not to return. Dorian threatens Sharon with harm against her and her son, Albie Watts (Arthur Gentleman), if the police contact him.[84] When Albie is abducted the following week, Keanu suggests that Dorian may be responsible.[85] Sharon then meets Dorian, who reveals that the police searched his home and car; he assures her that he is not responsible and explains that he does not involve children in his business.[86]
Nadine Keller
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Nadine Keller, played by Jazzy Phoenix, first appears in episode 6769, originally broadcast on 18 September 2023.[87] The character and Phoenix's casting details were announced on 12 September 2023.[87] Nadine is introduced as a love interest for established character Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick).[87] She was billed as an "enigmatic" and "mysterious".[87] The character forms part of a new story for Jay exploring his grief following the death of his wife, Lola Pearce (Danielle Harold). Phoenix and Harold share a resemblance, which was played on for the story.[87] Borthwick enjoyed working with Phoenix and praised her professionalism. He added that Phoenix was keen not to replace Harold too.[88]
Fans of the show began to theorise about the character following her introduction, with some suggesting that she may be a "figment of Jay's imagination".[88] Although it was ruled out through Nadine's interactions with other characters, Borthwick liked the suggestion and thought it would have made an interesting plot.[88] Writers developed the story when Jay begins paying Nadine to sleep with him non-sexually. They forge a friendship and she support him with his grief.[89] The story was developed further when Nadine introduces Jay to ketamine.[89] Borthwick enjoyed the new story and called it "a bit of a dark path".[88] He liked how the story explored how characters respond to grief individually.[88]
The character departed in episode 6788, originally broadcast on 19 October 2023.[90] In March 2024, Phoenix shared an image of her with Patsy Kensit, who portrayed Lola's mother Emma Harding, sparking speculation that the pair may be returning to EastEnders together.[91] Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy then confirmed that Phoenix had reprised her role for a short stint. Nadine returns in April 2024 as part of a new story for Jay. The details of the story were kept under embargo.[91] Writers devised a plot where Nadine informs Jay that she is pregnant with his child.[92] A twist in the story explains that Nadine is not pregnant and is scamming Jay for money. She is exposed and departs in episode 6902, originally broadcast on 2 May 2024.[93]
Priya Nandra-Hart
Priya Nandra-Hart, played by Sophie Khan Levy, first appears in episode 6789 broadcast on 16 October 2023.[94] The character and Khan Levy's casting details were announced on 21 September 2023.[94] Priya is introduced as the former girlfriend of established character Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) and estranged mother of their son, Davinder "Nugget" Gulati (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury).[94] The character was created alongside their daughter Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James), who arrives with her.[94] In the character's backstory, Priya and Ravi shared a "doomed" relationship and after it ends, Priya learns that she is pregnant with Avani; Ravi does not know about his daughter upon their introduction.[94]
Avani Nandra-Hart
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Avani Nandra-Hart, played by Aaliyah James, first appears in episode 6790 broadcast on 17 October 2023.[94] The character and James' casting details were announced on 21 September 2023.[94] Avani is introduced as the estranged daughter of established character Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) and sister of Davinder "Nugget" Gulati (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury).[94] The character was created alongside her mother Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan Levy), who arrives with her.[94] In the character's backstory, Priya became pregnant with Avani after the end of her relationship with Ravi, so he does not know about her existence upon her introduction.[94]
EastEnders marks James' first acting role. She felt honoured to join the soap and was excited to portray Avani.[94] Chris Clenshaw, the show's executive producer, was pleased with James and Khan Levy's casting and called their characters "two women guaranteed to cause big drama in Albert Square".[94] He added that Avani's existence would be "a big shock to the system" for Ravi and would be challenging for him.[94]
From Avani's first appearance, she is a fiery teenager who is sneaky and sly. She immediately bonds with Ravi and Nugget and is slowly getting used to a family routine with the Panesar family. After not being in school, she is signed up at Walford High along with Nugget. In March 2024, Priya starts to embark on a fling with long established character Martin Fowler (James Bye).[95] They go for a date in Peggy's wine bar – much to Avani and Ravi's dismay.[95] Avani wants Ravi and Priya to reconcile as she believes that there is still chemistry between the pair.[96] Priya then arranges for the pair to have a date at home – they are disrupted by Ravi due to Avani's meddling in the situation.[97] Avani tells Ravi that Priya is seriously ill so he would return home just before Martin arrives. They go on a second date in Walford East after Avani goes missing.[98] The date is a disaster as Avani flirts with Martin, embarrasses Priya and then spills all of her drink jug over Martin.
Pastor Clayton
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Gideon Clayton (credited as Pastor Clayton), played by Howard Saddler, first appears in episode 6823, originally broadcast on 21 December 2023.[99] The character is introduced as the pastor of Yolande Trueman's (Angela Wynter) prayer group.[100] Saddler previously appeared in the soap in 2002 as Doctor Daniel Rodford, a doctor treating Jamie Mitchell (Jack Ryder) before his death.[100] Over multiple months, a friendship is established between Pastor Clayton and Yolande. Writers challenged the friendship through rumours about the pair's closeness. A show insider explained that other members of the prayer group start "making everyone think that something untoward is going on!"[101]
The friendship between Pastor Clayton and Yolande serves as a build-up to a story exploring sexual harassment as Pastor Clayton abuses his position to make Yolande uncomfortable.[102] When Yolande suggests that the church raise money for a food truck to deliver food to the homeless, the Pastor is impressed and gives Yolande a long hug. Alison Slade from TV Times observed that Pastor Clayton is "inappropriately over-tactile", leaving Yolande "frozen with fear".[103] Yolande initially ignores the moment, but when Pastor Clayton touches her again, she confronts him. Writers established a villainous persona for the character by having him remove Yolande from the project and isolate her. A show publicity officer told Johnathon Hughes from Inside Soap that the pastor "manipulates the situation to paint [Yolande] as unreasonable".[101] Through the story, Velile Tshabalala was introduced as Stella, the character's wife.[104]
The plot develops further to explore the impact of sexual assault after Pastor Clayton assaults Yolande. Writers also establish the character as a serial offender through flashbacks of other women previously assaulted by him.[105] The development was scripted as part of an hour-long special episode and the show's story team worked with End Violence Against Women Coalition and Hourglass to accurately portray the story.[105] Chris Clenshaw, the show's executive producer, wanted the story to raise awareness about "how women at any age can be groomed by someone in a position of power".[105] Veronica Gray, deputy CEO of Hourglass, called the story "a landmark moment for all older victims of abuse in the UK and beyond".[105] She hoped it would create an open dialogue for the audience around the sexual abuse of older people.[105] Andrea Simon, the director of End Violence Against Women Coalition, praised that marginalised groups were being portrayed in the story and hoped it would "dispel myths and stereotypes about what victims and survivors look like and how perpetrators behave".[105] Hughes described the character as a "predatory pastor" and a "horrid holy man",[101] while Slade called him "a double-dealing wolf in sheep's clothing".[103] Hughes' colleague, Gary Gillatt, wrote of the character, "That Pastor Gideon is certainly keen on the old laying-on of hands, isn't he? He better not trespass against our Yolande".[106]
After Yolande confides her friend Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe) in the launderette in the evening of the day that Clayton assaulted her, Elaine tells Yolande's partner, Patrick Trueman (Rudolph Walker) over the phone with her permission, who later confronts Clayton and tries to attack him. The rest of her family are unaware of what Clayton has done when he conducts Jordan Fox's christening, until Yolande confronts him when he begins to behave inappropriately towards her. Yolande later reports Clayton to the police and then told the rest of her family. Denise Fox (Diane Parish) then goes around to confront Clayton herself, but he is arrested. Unfortunately, he wasn't charged initially due to lack of evidence. Yolande also confided in church elder and training pastor, Levi (Mark Akintimehin).[107] Levi helps Yolande track down one of Clayton's other victims, Delia Bennett (Llewella Gideon),[107] who was raped by Clayton in 2016. She reported it to authorities but they drop the case due to insufficient evidence, despite being believed by an officer named DC Carys. However, her reporting the assault ensured that the police knew about Clayton. Yolande and Delia both meet and hoped that the police would press charges if both came forward together.[107] As a result, Clayton was charged in Episode 6931, which originally aired on 25 June 2024.[107]
Ashton
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Ashton, played by Jensen Clayden,[108] is a young boy who is temporarily fostered by Zack Hudson (James Farrar) and Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty). He appears between Episode 6824, originally airing on 22 December 2023,[108] and Episode 6832, originally airing on 2 January 2024.[109] The character's casting and details were announced on 19 December 2023 by Radio Times.[110] His introduction was part of Whitney's exit storyline, as McGarty had announced her departure of Whitney after 15 years in July 2023 and would depart the following year.[110] After she terminated her pregnancy as her unborn baby, Peach had Edward's Syndrome, Whitney and Zack turned to fostering.[110] Executive producer Chris Clenshaw described Ashton's arrival: "[Whitney] and Zack have a big storyline at the beginning of the year and they get a lovely, little Christmas/New Year miracle."[110] They were however, set to face some "further potential heartache during the festive season."[110]
When he first arrives, Ashton is withdrawn but smiles when Zack gives him an apple.[108] On Christmas Day, they attend the wedding of Zack's sister, Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) to Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters).[111] When Ashton hears police sirens at night, he becomes distressed, so Whitney offers to stay with him until he falls asleep. The following day, Whitney speaks to social care about Ashton's nightmares; they explain that Ashton's father was in prison frequently and he had lots of experiences with the police. Later that day, Zack sets up a fort in the house for Ashton. He explains his experience with foster care and suggests that they can paint in the den and sleep there if he feels better.[112] They then design a superhero named "Zebra Man", which Zack dresses up as. Ashton suffers an allergic reaction, so Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) checks on him and finds that he has had a mild reaction to some food colouring as he is allergic to tartrazine.[113] Whitney and Zack later explain to Ashton that his social worker, Yasmin (Courtney Bowman), will be collecting him the following morning to take him to a new family with a big house and two dogs. Ashton worries that they do not like him anymore, but they reassure him that is not true. Whitney and Ashton go to Sonia's house for a New Year's Eve party, but leave when he falls asleep.[114] The next day, Yasmin collects Ashton and he says goodbye to Whitney and Zack.[109]
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References
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