The BBC has confirmed a new family of five characters will join the EastEnders cast this summer.
The new characters are the estranged relatives of Nicola Mitchell, bringing with them "old wounds and complicated family dynamics".
Viewers will know that Nicola doesn't have a good relationship with her family and has kept her distance.
Gemma Hawkins (played by Patricia Potter) and her husband Ned Roper (Jamie Bamber) will be joined by their son Ryder (Felix Uff) as they arrive in Walford, and her mother Rose (Marian McLoughlin) and Nicola’s youngest sister Jodie (Anna Constable) will also appear.
BBC confirms 5 new characters as Hawkins family arrives on EastEnders
The family are also joined by a dog as they arrive in Walford.
Ben Wadey, executive producer, said: "The Hawkins family are a fantastic addition to Walford.
"While the family share a fierce loyalty to one another, decades of complicated history and Nicola’s estrangement from them has left fractures within the family that are far from healed.
"We’re all very excited for what we have planned for the family, and we can’t wait for the audience to meet them".
Patricia said: "I am so delighted to be joining this iconic show as part of a new family.
"What a joy and a privilege to be working with such talented actors and wonderful people.
"I couldn’t be more excited and grateful!"
Jamie said he has been a fan of the show since he was a child: "When 12-year-old me rushed home from school in 1985 to catch the very first episode of EastEnders, I could never have dreamed that one day I’d be walking onto the iconic Albert Square as a character myself.
"It’s a privilege I don’t take lightly, and I’m thrilled to be making my mark on this crown jewel of my beloved BBC".
Marian added: "I feel so lucky to be joining such a brilliant cast and I can’t wait for the viewers to meet the Hawkins family.
"Now in my 70s, this is an opportunity I never expected, and I am incredibly grateful to be part of such a cherished drama".
Fans excited to welcome 5 new characters to EastEnders' cast
Reacting to the announcement on Instagram, fans shared their excitement, with some saying: "Omg!!! Can't wait for this 👏".
Someone else commented: "Yaaay Nicolas storyline! I love that woman 😂😍 so fiery".
Another said: "Okay - I’m intrigued!!
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"It’s always strange when a new family rocks up on the Square!
"You never know how they’re going to fit in!
"I felt the same when the Knights were announced, but I love them now - hopefully if we’re given some juicy backstory and decent storylines, this new family could be the same!!
"I look forward to seeing what happens!! xXx".
Are you excited to see new characters join EastEnders? Tell us in the comments below.
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