List of EastEnders characters introduced in 2024

Eddie Knight, played by Christopher Fairbank, first appears in episode 6831, originally broadcast on 1 January 2024.^[2] The character and Fairbank's casting details were announced on 10 December 2023.^[2] Eddie is introduced with his wife, Gloria Knight (Elizabeth Counsell), as the adoptive parents of established character George Knight (Colin Salmon).^[2] Fairbank and Counsell were contracted for a short stint.^[2] The characters' backstory states that Eddie and Gloria have not seen George for over a decade. Chris Clenshaw, the show's executive producer, explained that it would "[become] apparent why George has kept his distance".^[2]

The characters' arrival proves a surprise for George and they are introduced with a secret. Clenshaw teased that Eddie and Gloria would be "thrust into the heart of the drama" upon their introduction.^[2] Fairbank expressed his joy at joining the show and working with the cast. Clenshaw was excited about the casting of the "legendary and immensely talented" Fairbank and Counsell.^[2] Producers used the characters of Eddie, Gloria and George to explore the topic of baby farming. To ensure the story was portrayed sensitively and accurately, the show worked with experts and those with lived experiences of farming.^[3] Through the story, Eddie's "racist ideologies" are also examined and result in clashes with his family.^[3] Clenshaw opined that the story follows EastEnders' tradition of "telling challenging yet truthful stories".^[3] He added that the story would challenge George "to question the identity his parents gave him from childhood as he discovers the true means by which he was adopted".^[3]

Gloria Knight, played by Elizabeth Counsell, first appears in episode 6831, originally broadcast on 1 January 2024.^[2] The character and Counsell's casting details were announced on 10 December 2023.^[2] Gloria is introduced with her husband, Eddie Knight (Christopher Fairbank), as the adoptive parents of established character George Knight (Colin Salmon).^[2] Counsell and Fairbank were contracted for a short stint.^[2] The characters' backstory states that Gloria and Eddie have not seen George for over a decade. Chris Clenshaw, the show's executive producer, explained that it would "[become] apparent why George has kept his distance".^[2] Counsell expressed her joy at joining the show and working with the cast and crew. She was looking forward to working with Salmon again, having previously worked together almost thirty years prior.^[2] Clenshaw was excited about the casting of the "legendary and immensely talented" Counsell and Fairbank.^[2]

The characters' arrival proves a surprise for George and they are introduced with a secret. Clenshaw teased that Gloria and Eddie would be "thrust into the heart of the drama" upon their introduction.^[2] Producers used the characters of Gloria, Eddie and George to explore the topic of baby farming. To ensure the story was portrayed sensitively and accurately, the show worked with experts and those with lived experiences of farming.^[3] Clenshaw opined that the story follows EastEnders' tradition of "telling challenging yet truthful stories".^[3] He added that the story would challenge George "to question the identity his parents gave him from childhood as he discovers the true means by which he was adopted".^[3] The character was written out of the series in episode 6890, originally broadcast on 11 April 2024. Gloria was killed off after suffering a heart attack, having reunited with George.^[4]

Harold Martin, played by David Sterne, first appears in episode 6839, originally broadcast on 15 January 2024.^[5] The character and Sterne's casting details were announced on 8 January 2024.^[6] Harold is introduced as the husband of established character Aunt Sal (Anna Karen), the aunt of Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) and Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf).^[6] Aunt Sal appeared on the show sporadically across 21 years with Harold being referenced throughout her appearances but never appearing.^[6] Sterne was contracted for a short guest stint. Chris Clenshaw, the show's executive producer, expressed his joy at casting Sterne and described the character as "elusive".^[6]

Producers introduced Harold to the show as part of a set of episodes portraying Aunt Sal's funeral. The character of Aunt Sal was killed off, off screen, following the real life death of Karen in early 2022. Clenshaw opined that it was "imperative that we gave Aunt Sal the send-off she deserved".^[6] Sterne enjoyed playing the character of Harold and recognised that the character was "important in the context of the show".^[6] He added, "The writing was brilliant, so he was a joy to play."^[6]

Logan, played by Liam Hatch, appears in episode 6847, originally broadcast on 29 January 2024.^[7] The character was announced on 24 January 2024.^[8] Logan is introduced as a school bully who has a fight with Denzel Danes (Jaden Ladega).^[9] Hatch used his own personal experiences of school to prepare for the role of Logan, but recognised that society had changed since he was at school. In light of this, the actor aimed to "modernise [himself] in a way" through his mannerisms and body language.^[10] Hatch's casting received criticism from viewers of the show as he is 10 years older than his character.^[9] The actor found the comments amusing and admitted that his friends had contacted him to check how he was feeling.^[10] Nadia Khomami, writing for The Guardian, opined that Logan had become "the most talked about bully of the week".^[10] Dan Seddon from Digital Spy described the character as someone "making Denzel Danes' life a misery on screen".^[9]

Logan first appears when he cuts the queue at McKlunky's fast food restaurant and insults Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd), who leaves, upset. Amy's boyfriend, Denzel Danes, sees Logan and confronts him in the market. Denzel receives support from the market traders, so Logan leaves. That night, Logan and his friends corner Denzel in a back alley and attack him, filming the attack. Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) finds the gang attacking Denzel and runs to intervene, but falls over; they begin filming her and laughing. Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James) sees the attack and threatens them with a metal pipe, so they all run away.^[7]

Britney Wainwright, played by Lola Campbell, first appears in episode 6867, originally broadcast on 4 March 2024.^[11] The character and Campbell's casting details were announced on 26 February 2024.^[11] Britney is introduced as a neglected child who bonds with established character Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty).^[11] McGarty likened Britney to a younger version of Whitney, which she said Whitney recognises.^[12] Britney is introduced during two special episodes of the show. The episodes were set across five weeks in Milton Keynes and feature the return of Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer).^[11] Filming took place from January 2024 with some on-location filming captured in paparazzi photography.^[13]

Writers devised the character of Britney as part of McGarty's exit from the series.^[11] Chris Clenshaw, the show's executive producer, was excited for Campbell to join the cast and teased that Whitney would be "thrust into the heart of the drama" with Britney's arrival.^[11] The character's backstory states that she and her brother, Taylor Wainwright (Mason Godfrey), are being neglected by their mother, Keeley Wainwright (Kirsty J Curtis), who is battling with addiction.^[11] Britney and Taylor live on the same estate as Bianca and are being supported by her. McGarty observed that Whitney feels "incredibly sorry" for Britney when they meet and resolves to "take her under her wing".^[12] Britney has not been attending school at all since the COVID-19 pandemic, which annoys Whitney. Keeley is later arrested, leaving Britney alone. Whitney then decides that she and her partner Zack Hudson (James Farrar) will foster her. McGarty told Sarah Ellis of Inside Soap that Whitney begins to make Britney "her main priority" instead of Zack and her unborn baby, which she opined was "quite sad".^[12]

Keeley Wainwright, played by Kirsty J Curtis, first appears in episode 6867, originally broadcast on 4 March 2024.^[14] The character and Curtis' casting details were announced on 26 February 2024.^[11] Keeley is introduced as the mother of Britney Wainwright (Lola Campbell) and Taylor Wainwright (Mason Godfrey). She is characterised as a neglectful mother who is battling addiction.^[11] The character initially appears in two special episodes of the show, which were set across five weeks in Milton Keynes and include the return of Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer).^[11] Filming took place from January 2024 with some on-location filming captured in paparazzi photography.^[13]

Keeley is neglectful towards her children and leaves them locked outside in the rain. Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) confronts her about this and offers to help, but she rejects her support. Keeley later finds Britney and Whitney talking and takes Britney away; Britney explains that she is running an errand for her mother. When Whitney finds drugs on Britney, she confronts Keeley and is followed by her partner, Zack Hudson (James Farrar), and mother, Bianca Jackson. Keeley insults Bianca and taunts her about her recent breakup with Terry Spraggan (Terry Alderton), claiming that she had sex with Terry. In retaliation, Bianca throws a brick through Keeley's window as Britney arrives. Keeley blames Britney and drags her by her hair until Whitney stops it.^[14] The following day, Keeley is arrested for drug possession. After she is released, Whitney visits her and barges into her house. She berates Keeley for the state of the house and her upbringing of Britney, so Keeley tells Whitney to take her.^[15]

Keeley returns in episode 6895, which originally aired on 22 April 2024, after Britney is hospitalized after falling off her bike. She tells Whitney and Zack that Britney was diagnosed with Usher syndrome when she was younger and that the accident is likely because of that. Zack is mad that she didn't tell them, but Whitney understands that it would be difficult to tell Britney that she would lose her sight and hearing in the future. Keeley explains that she could never take care of a child who is blind and deaf and leaves before she has the chance to see Britney again. Keeley gives Whitney Britney's birth certificate before Whitney reminds Keeley that Usher syndrome is genetic and Keeley's drugs are not the cause of it. Keeley then tells Whitney that Zack clearly doesn't want Britney and Whitney should stop telling him that fostering Britney is temporary. Whitney says that Zack is a good guy and wouldn't give up a disabled child. Keeley departs in episode 6902, originally airing on 2 May 2024, when she heads back to Milton Keynes.

Warren Finn, played by Neil Roberts, first appears in episode 6889, originally broadcast on 10 April 2024.^[16] The character and Roberts' casting details were announced on 4 April 2024.^[17] Warren is introduced as the barrister hired to represent Eddie Knight (Christopher Fairbank) at his trial for historic racially motivated murder.^[17] Warren was described as a "straight-talking barrister" by Angie Quinn from MyLondon.^[18] Roberts was contracted for a guest stint.^[17] The actor expressed his excitement at guest starring in the soap. He was pleased to be part of the story and wanted to ensure it was portrayed "accurately and sensitively".^[17] The character appears in two episodes and departs in episode 6890, originally broadcast on 11 April 2024.^[19] Roberts reprised the role for two further episodes, first broadcast in September 2024.^[20][21]

At Eddie's trial, Warren questions his adopted son George Knight (Colin Salmon) about his witness statement, his upbringing and the character statement he was prepared to share at the pre-trial. Warren suggests that George is doing this in spite after learning that he was subject to baby farming as an infant.^[16] Eddie and Charles Dunlane (Jack Chissick) are then found guilty.^[19] Warren returns to defend Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo) at his trial for the murder of Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters).^[20]

Junior Knight, played by Micah Balfour, first appears in episode 6906, originally broadcast on 13 May 2024.^[22] The character had been referenced before his introduction, but further details about the character and Balfour's casting details were announced on 2 May 2024.^[22] Junior is introduced as the estranged son of George Knight (Colin Salmon).^[22] Balfour described Junior as "a complex man".^[22] The character's backstory states that Junior and George have been estranged for decades, however, the reasons were not disclosed prior to his arrival.^[23] This was then explored in the character's early episodes.^[24]

Details surrounding the character's introduction were kept embargoed, but Chris Clenshaw, the show's executive producer, warned that Junior would be "thrust into the heart of the drama".^[22] In his early episodes, writers established the character as having secrets and paired him in a one-night stand with Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer). A twist was incorporated into the story when Junior is revealed to have a wife and son; Monique Knight (Busayo Ige) and Xavier Knight (Chase Dean-Williams) are then introduced to the series.^[24] A specially-made trailer was released on social media to promote Junior's introduction.^[23] Balfour expressed his excitement at joining the cast and working with his on-screen family. He called walking on the set "the most surreal experience of my career".^[22] Clenshaw was pleased about Balfour's casting and teased that there would be "more to Junior than meets the eye".^[22]

Monique Knight, played by Busayo Ige, first appears in episode 6907, originally broadcast on 14 May 2024.^[24] The character and Ige's casting details were announced on the same day as her first appearance.^[25] Monique is introduced as the wife of Junior Knight (Micah Balfour) and arrives with their young son, Xavier Knight (Chase Dean-Williams).^[24] Monique is of Ghanaian heritage, which helps her bond with Junior's father, George Knight (Colin Salmon).^[25] Producers wanted the characters of Monique and Xavier to be a surprise to the audience, especially as Junior has had sex with Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) after his introduction.^[24] This twist led to Monique and Xavier's departures from the series after she learns the truth. The character departs in episode 6922, originally broadcast on 6 June 2024.^[26]

Xavier Knight, played by Chase Dean-Williams, first appears in episode 6907, originally broadcast on 14 May 2024.^[24] The character and Dean-Williams' casting details were announced on the same day as his first appearance.^[25] Xavier is introduced as the young son of Junior Knight (Micah Balfour) and arrives with his mother, Monique Knight (Busayo Ige).^[24] Producers wanted the characters of Monique and Xavier to be a surprise to the audience, especially as Junior has had sex with Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) after his introduction.^[24] This twist leads to Monique and Xavier's departures from the series after she learns the truth. The character departs in episode 6922, originally broadcast on 6 June 2024.^[26]

Maya Houssain, played by Bharti Patel, first appears in episode 6916, originally broadcast on 29 May 2024.^[27] The character and Patel's casting details were announced on 20 May 2024.^[28] Maya is introduced as a new friend for Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman) as part of his story exploring loneliness.^[28] Lily Shield-Polyzoides from Inside Soap suggested that the new friendship may not be "as innocent as it seems".^[29] Patel was contracted for a guest stint,^[27] and departed in episode 6964, originally broadcast on 21 August 2024.^[30]

Maya and Harvey's friendship develops over time and they become closer, which causes concern in his relationship with Jean Slater (Gillian Wright).^[31] Writers slowly revealed information about Maya's backstory, including that her husband has died recently.^[31] Viewers began speculating about the character's backstory and suggested that she has a connection to Aaron Monroe (Charlie Wernham), Harvey's son who was arrested for a far-right terrorist attack.^[31] In an unpublicised twist, it is revealed that Maya's backstory links into a 2021 story involving Harvey and Aaron. In the story, Aaron assaulted a taxi driver - revealed to be Maya's husband - in a racially motivated attack, and Harvey provided him with an alibi.^[32] Sanjiv Hayre was introduced as Maya's husband, Abdul Houssain, who requires full-time care after the attack.^[32] Harvey agrees to support Maya and Abdul financially as "penance" for his role in helping Aaron. Writers used this to create problems for Harvey and Jean's relationship.^[33]

Teddy Mitchell, portrayed by Roland Manookian, first appeared on 26 June 2024. The character and Mankoonian's casting details were announced on 6 June 2024.^[34] Teddy is introduced as part of the Mitchell family, as the estranged son of Stevie Mitchell (Alan Ford), and long-lost half-brother of established character Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick). Teddy is set to arrive alongside his two sons, Harry (Elijah Holloway) and Barney (Lewis Bridgeman).^[35]

Manookian also commented on his casting by saying "I've been watching EastEnders my whole life, so being part of it is amazing... Coming in as a Mitchell means you've got big shoes to fill, but it's a challenge that I'm happy to accept."^[35] He also expressed his delight to be working with other EastEnders actors. "It's a privilege to have the chance to work with the likes of Perry Fenwick [Billy], Steve McFadden [Phil], and the legendary Alan Ford [Stevie] – what amazing company to keep. Teddy is an enigmatic sort of fella with old-school principles, but he's tuned into modernity, too. It's a lovely part to get my teeth into."^[35]

Executive producer Chris Clenshaw also said he was "delighted"^[35] about the introduction of "a new branch of the iconic Mitchell family to the Square".^[35]

Harry Mitchell, portrayed by Elijah Holloway, first appeared on 26 June 2024. The character and Holloway's casting details were announced on 6 June 2024.^[34] Harry is introduced as part of the Mitchell family, and is the eldest son of Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian), who is introduced as the estranged son of Stevie Mitchell (Alan Ford), and long-lost half-brother of established character Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick). Harry is set to arrive alongside his father, and younger brother Barney (Lewis Bridgeman).^[35]

Holloway discussed being cast as Harry by saying "It's a massive privilege to join a British institution like EastEnders, and to be playing a Mitchell makes it even more exciting. We've been given such a warm welcome, and it's unbelievable to be turning up to work in Walford every day."^[35] He also discussed Harry's character: "Harry has a lot of charm and swagger, but he's got a bit of a temper, too. He can't resist trouble, or the ladies, so he's ready to shake things up in typical Mitchell style!"^[35]

Executive producer Chris Clenshaw also said he was "delighted"^[35] about the introduction of "a new branch of the iconic Mitchell family to the Square".^[35]

Barney Mitchell, portrayed by Lewis Bridgeman, first appeared on 26 June 2024. The character and Bridgeman's casting details were announced on 6 June 2024.^[34] Barney is introduced as part of the Mitchell family, and is the youngest son of Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian), who is introduced as the estranged son of Stevie Mitchell (Alan Ford), and long-lost half-brother of established character Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick). Barney is set to arrive alongside his father, and older brother Harry (Elijah Holloway).^[35]

Bridgeman commented on his casting by saying "Joining the EastEnders cast has been very exciting and such a great opportunity, which has been made even better by working with a wonderful cast and crew."^[35] He also discussed what Barney's character would be like. "Barney is an interesting character to explore because of his more introverted nature compared to the other members of his family, and I'm looking forward to seeing how he grows and develops in Albert Square."^[35]

Executive producer Chris Clenshaw also said he was "delighted"^[35] about the introduction of "a new branch of the iconic Mitchell family to the Square".^[35]

Brenda Collins is the mother of Debbie Colwell (Jenny Meier),^[36] who was recently murdered by her husband, Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman).^[36] She is portrayed by Nichola McAuliffe,^[36] whose casting was announced on 25 July 2024.^[36] Brenda first appears alongside her husband, Hugh Collins,^[36] who is played by Michael Bertenshaw,^[36] in Episode 6951, which originally aired on 29 July 2024, when they find out that Debbie has died. They meet Reiss' girlfriend, Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy), which has been described to "throw the cat among the pigeons as they dissect what that could mean for how their daughter suddenly died".^[36]

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."^[37]

Hugh Collins is the father of Debbie Colwell (Jenny Meier),^[36] who had recently been murdered by her husband, Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman).^[36] He portrayed by Michael Bertenshaw,^[36] whose casting was announced on 25 July 2024.^[36] Hugh appears alongside his wife, Brenda Collins,^[36] who is played by Nichola McAuliffe,^[36] in Episode 6951, which originally aired on 29 July 2024, when they find out that Debbie has died. They meet Reiss' girlfriend, Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy), which has been described to "throw the cat among the pigeons as they dissect what that could mean for how their daughter suddenly died".^[36]

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."^[37]

Ayesha Siddhu is a woman from Nish (Navin Chowdhry) and Suki Panesar's (Balvinder Sopal) past.^[38] She is played by former Holby City star Laila Rouass,^[38] and made her first appearance in Episode 6955, which originally aired 5 August 2024.^[38] Rouass' casting was announced on 26 July 2024.^[38] Ayesha arrived in Walford after being asked to come.^[38] She hadn't seen Nish and Suki for many years.^[38]

Rouass commented on her excitement of being cast in EastEnders: "I cannot tell you how excited I am to be in EastEnders! I was born in the East End and grew up there, and there was such a buzz when the show started."^[38] She continued by reminiscing on her childhood memories of EastEnders: "Even though I was little at the time, I can clearly remember the first episode and Doctor Legg (Leonard Fenton) arriving at the flat where Reg Cox (Johnnie Clayton) had been murdered."^[38] Rouass also revealed that she has worked with Navin Chowdhry before: "I've also known Navin Chowdhry (who plays Nish) for many years, so it was great to work with him again and to do scenes with Balvinder Sopal (who plays Suki) and the rest of the Panesars as Ayesha reunites with them. This is a lifelong dream come true!"^[38]

Kobina Asare, portrayed by Ted Lasso star, Jonathan Nyati,^[39] is the brother of George Knight (Colin Salmon).^[39] Koleosho's casting was announced on 14 August 2024,^[39] and he appears alongside his brother, Kojo Asare (Dayo Koleosho), as George "continues to explore his identity."^[39] The brothers first appeared in episode 6967, which originally aired on 27 August 2024. George had recently been discovered that his adoptive father, Eddie Knight (Christopher Fairbank), had killed his biological father in order to prevent him from reuniting with his biological parents.^[39] He had also recently found out from Angela Lawal (Susan Auderin), who is set to return with Kobina and Kojo from Ghana, that his biological mother had recently passed away.^[39] It was also announced that Kobina was set to have a short stint on the soap,^[39] as he returns to Ghana overwhelmed after George decides to look after Kojo, who has Autism.^[39]

Executive producer, Chris Clenshaw has teased that the brothers "a lot of complex emotions to come to terms with" after being "torn apart by tragedy".^[39] Nyati also commented on his casting: "I am really honoured to appear in EastEnders, a British soap that I grew up watching religiously. It's exciting to be part of George Knight's storyline and his on-screen family. I can't wait for viewers to be introduced to Kobina and his little brother Kojo as they arrive in Albert Square for the first time."^[39]

Kojo Asare, portrayed by Casualty star Dayo Koleosho,^[39] is the brother of George Knight (Colin Salmon).^[39] Koleosho's casting was announced on 14 August 2024,^[39] and he appeared alongside his brother, Kobina Asare (Jonathan Nyati), as George "continues to explore his identity."^[39] The brothers made their first appearance in episode 6967, which originally aired on 27 August 2024. George had recently been discovered that his adoptive father, Eddie Knight (Christopher Fairbank), had killed his biological father in order to prevent him from reuniting with his biological parents.^[39] He had also recently found out from Angela Lawal (Susan Auderin), who is set to return with Kobina and Kojo from Ghana, that his biological mother had recently passed away.^[39] It was also announced that Kojo is autistic, as is Koleosho.^[40][39] It was also announced that Kojo would join the soap on a full-time basis,^[39] as George decides he is going to take care of Kojo in Walford as Kobina is overwhelmed and returns to Ghana.^[39]

Executive producer, Chris Clenshaw has teased that the brothers "a lot of complex emotions to come to terms with" after being "torn apart by tragedy".^[39] Koleosho commented on his casting: "It's been absolutely amazing – I'm loving every minute of working with the cast and crew. It's an incredible storyline for Kojo and his family. It is a dream that has become reality. There are many surprises and I'm taking every opportunity to work creatively with other talented actors."^[39]

Holly, portrayed by Chloe Marshall,^[41] is the daughter of Joe Wicks (Paul Nicholls) and granddaughter of David Wicks (Michael French).^[41] Holly called David when he was in Walford visiting his daughter Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) which he declined them all, when David accepted Holly's call when he left, he got Joe to speak to him.^[41] She made her first and only appearance over a face-time call on 10 October 2024, where her identity is revealed.^[41] It was also revealed that she had recently graduated.^[41]

Holly was first mentioned on 7 October 2024, where she first makes a call to David.^[42] It became clear that David was avoiding her calls as she ignored one, which caused a lot of fans to ask the same question.^[42] One viewer said: "WHO is Holly?" as another asked: "WHO IS HOLLY?"^[42] Some viewers think they know who it could be, with one suggesting: "Is she a new character?" Another theory suggested it's either his new partner or maybe someone linked to Joe.^[42] A fan said: "Probably a ex/current girlfriend or wife, that or she's the wife of Joe Wicks (David's son/Bianca's brother) as he's been mentioned."^[42]

On 9 October 2024, with her identity nor been revealed yet, Bianca suspected that Holly was his partner as she saw the text message that she sent him, which implied that they saw each other frequently.^[43] David avoided the question and insisted that there wasn't a woman in his life. Fans began to speculate that Holly wasn't a partner, but potentially his daughter.^[43] One fan posted: "So I'm guessing this 'Holly' is David's daughter?"^[43] Another posted: "She's connected to his son Joe like she’s Joe’s daughter or something."^[43] A third fan wrote: "I’ve heard Holly is Joe Wicks daughter," as another agreed: "Gotta have something to do with Joe."^[43]

Tyrion Ahmed is the three-year-old son of Jags Panesar (Amar Adatia) and Habiba Ahmed (Rukku Nahar).^[44] Tyrion was born off-screen in 2021 and is mentioned multiple times.^[44] In 2024 he made his first appearance in episode 6997, broadcast on the 16 October 2024.^[44] The character's arrival was announced on 11 October 2024, with more details being revealed on 15 October 2024.^[44] Tyrion comes to visit the Panesar family after Vinny Panesar (Shiv Jalota) contacted his mother Habiba if Tyrion could visit his grandmother Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal) and Nish Panesar (Navin Chowdhry).^[44]

Tyrion was born in June 2021,^[44] eight months after Habiba left Walford and Jags was imprisoned after being framed for a crime his brother, Vinny Panesar (Shiv Jalota) committed, by their mother in October 2020.^[44] Habiba's sister Iqra Ahmed (Priya Davdra) revealed in January 2021 that Habiba was pregnant with Jags' baby.^[44] However, Jags was murdered off-screen in a prison attack in June 2021.^[44] Three years later, Tyrion arrives in Albert Square when Vinny reaches out to Habiba at Nish's request to ask if Tyrion would like to visit his grandparents to try and bring the family closer together as Nish is terminally ill.^[44] Suki initially wasn't keen for Nish to see Tyrion, but Vinny managed to convince her as he doesn't have much time left.^[44] Nish, however has been trying to use Tyrion to try and reunite with Suki.^[44] After Tyrion's departure in episode 6999, airing on 21 October 2024, there is the potential that Suki and her girlfriend, Eve Unwin (Heather Peace) will have the opportunity to be a part of Tyrion's life.^[44]

Jackie Fairhurst, portrayed by Doctors actress Joanna Bending,^[45] is a social worker who visits Kat Mitchell (Jessie Wallace) regarding her son, Tommy Moon's (Sonny Kendall) violent behavior after being called by Jean Slater (Gillian Wright).^[45] She made a guest appearance in Episode 7002, which originally aired on 24 October 2024.^[45] Jackie arrives to assess the situation by talking to Alfie Moon (Shane Richie), the twins Bert and Ernie Moon (Elliot and Cody Briffett) and Tommy.^[45] As a result, they realised that Tommy did pose a threat to the twins, so he ended up staying with Zack Hudson (James Farrar).^[45]

Upon casting, Bending was thrilled to be cast in EastEnders.^[45] Taking to Instagram, she posted with the caption: "A new Social and a Handsome DC arrive in Albert Square tonight at 7.30pm......."^[45] She has recently been cast as Dr Michelle Walton in BBC medical soap, Doctors, which finishes its run in December.^[45] Her Doctors co-star, Elisabeth Dermot Walsh, who plays Dr Zara Carmichael was delighted to see her appear in EastEnders.^[45] Walsh posted on X, formerly Twitter: "Whoah back up. Isn’t that @BBCDoctors Dr Michelle Walton moonlighting on @bbceastenders? A GP AND a Social Worker; she is a woman of many talents! Whoop Whoop @jobendy. Love You. XX."^[45] This was Bending's second role in EastEnders after playing Doctor Alex Burham between 2013-2017.

Nicola Mitchell, portrayed by Laura Doddington,^[46] is the ex-wife of Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian) and mother of his sons, Harry Mitchell (Elijah Holloway) and Barney Mitchell (Lewis Bridgeman).^[46] Doddington's casting was announced on 2 October 2024 and her first scenes will air on 4 November 2024.^[46] Nicola is set to arrive in Albert Square "uninvited", which will be a shock for Teddy, who has been trying to make a fresh start.^[46] Upon arrival, she will waste no time in introducing herself to the rest of the Mitchell family and wants to make amends with her two sons.^[46] Teddy is far from impressed by Nicola's arrival in Walford, but she is determined to make her presence known.^[46] Upon casting, it was also confirmed that Doddington had already starting filming.^[46]

Doddington expressed her excitement about joining EastEnders: "I still can’t believe I’ve joined EastEnders – I keep pinching myself! I grew up watching the show, so the first time I filmed in The Vic, I was like a kid at Christmas to be in such an iconic place with such a brilliant cast and crew. Nicola is a complex woman who comes in like the Tasmanian Devil! She’s strong and completely unapologetic about who she is. I’ve been so lucky to have my Mitchell boys, Roland, Elijah and Lewis, as they’ve taken me under their wing, and we feel like a family already. I’m loving every second so far."^[46] Nicola will be Doddington's second role in EastEnders after playing a leader of an antenatal class that Zainab Masood (Nina Wadia) and Masood Ahmed (Nitin Ganatra) attend in an episode in 2009.^[47]

Executive producer, Chris Clenshaw also spoke about Doddington's casting: "Like all the great Mitchell women, Nicola is feisty, strong and loves her family. She and Teddy share a very complicated history, which will be fun to explore, as will her relationships with her two sons. We’re delighted to welcome the fantastic Laura Doddington to EastEnders to bring Nicola to life."^[46]