EastEnders is introducing the Hawkins family, an estranged group connected to Nicola Mitchell, who will arrive on Albert Square this summer. The new arrivals include Gemma Hawkins, played by Patricia Potter (formerly of 'Holby City'), her husband Ned, portrayed by Jamie Bamber ('Beyond Paradise'), and their son Ryder, played by Felix Uff ('Amadeus'). Marian McLoughlin joins as Gemma's mother Rose, and Anna Constable will play Gemma's sister Jodie.
Executive Producer Ben Wadey stated that the Hawkins family is a "fantastic addition to Walford." He added that while the family shares a strong loyalty, "decades of complicated history and Nicola's estrangement from them has left fractures within the family that are far from healed." The production team expressed excitement about the storylines planned for the new family. Actors Potter, Bamber, McLoughlin, Uff, and Constable have all shared their enthusiasm for joining the long-running BBC soap opera. Constable noted her role as an opportunity for disabled actresses.
In a separate development, Michelle Ryan, who reprised her role as Zoe Slater, has been axed from the series. Ryan, 42, returned to EastEnders last June after a 20-year absence but has filmed her final scenes, which are scheduled to air later this year. Her character, Zoe Slater, will be killed off, marking a permanent departure.
Sources indicate that Ryan's exit is part of a storyline that has been in development for some time. While details of Zoe's departure remain undisclosed, it is expected to be dramatic. Reports suggest that Ryan's return, which surprised some viewers given her past comments about the show being "boring," did not meet expectations, with some describing it as "flat and lacklustre." An EastEnders spokeswoman confirmed Zoe Slater's departure and wished Ryan well, declining to comment on future storylines to avoid spoilers.