A new family called The Knights will take over The Queen Vic in EastEnders this summer, it has been announced.
Since the disappearance of her ex-husband Mick (Danny Dyer), Linda (Kellie Bright) has been looking for a new partner to help her run the pub, with both her best friend Sharon (Letitia Dean) and the Panesar family vying for a 50% stake.
Unbeknownst to them, however, Linda is instead teaming up with her mother Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe), who arrives in Walford with her new lover George Knight (Colin Salmon) and his daughters Gina (Francesca Henry) and Anna (Molly Rainford), as well as their beloved chihuahua Tyson.
"The arrival of the Knights brings a new dawn to Albert Square," said exec producer Chris Clenshaw.
"George Knight is a charming rogue and an old-school gent who dotes on his two daughters, Gina and Anna. George will take up residence in The Queen Vic when he joins his beloved Elaine, a powerhouse of a land-lady who knows just how to have fun.
"The couple will be joined by feisty, determined and demanding Gina, who is as sharp and cool as cut diamonds but with a temper that blazes like fire, whereas younger sister Anna is fun, loveable, and big-hearted, but don't underestimate her.
"George, Gina and Anna have been bound together for years and arriving in Walford is the fresh-start the Knights are looking for.
"We're thrilled to welcome this hugely talented group of actors; Colin Salmon, Harriet Thorpe, Francesca Henry and Molly Rainford who will be immediately thrown into the heart of the Square, and we can't wait for everyone to meet them."
© BBC
Esteemed actor Salmon, who has appeared in James Bond, Prime Suspect and Doctor Who, said: "I'm thrilled to be joining the cast of EastEnders to take on the role of George Knight. I'm excited to explore the character of George, a true East End gentleman having been born in the East End myself. I have a great affinity and love for the show and I look forward to being part of the great legacy."
Absolutely Fabulous legend Thorpe said: "I'm thrilled to be playing Elaine, who is an ultimate matriarch with a huge and vivid personality with a heart of gold who takes no prisoners and fights with all she's got, but has a vulnerable side that she only shows a select few. The Vic needs strong women running it, and I want to honour the incredible, iconic queens who define EastEnders since the beginning.
"The entire company is a dream come true to work with, full of support, laughs, and creativity, with the warmest welcome from day one. The East End is where my family started out, so for me this feels like coming home!"
The four new arrivals will be seen on screen for the first time in early summer.
Neil Wilkes
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