There’s trouble brewing in Albert Square as new family The Knights are heading into The Queen Vic early summer.
Since Mick’s disappearance, Linda has struggled to manage the pub and despite both Sharon and the Panesars vying to join forces with Linda to run the iconic pub, there’s a new family heading into The Queen Vic, The Knights.
However, little do they know that Linda is secretly teaming up with her mother, Elaine Peacock, who will be bringing her new lover, George Knight, and his two daughters, Gina and Anna, to the Square.
Heading up the Knight family is George, a tough-talking and fiercely protective doting dad played by Colin Salmon. He’ll be joined by Elaine, Linda’s larger-than-life mother played by Harriet Thorpe and daughters Gina and Anna, played by Francesca Henry and Molly Rainford.
When the sisters arrive in Walford, drama will not be far away and they'll also be bringing their beloved Chihuahua, Tyson, with them.
The Knights will first appear on screen in early summer and speaking about their upcoming arrival, Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw said "The arrival of the Knights brings a new dawn to Albert Square. 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.
On joining EastEnders as George Knight, Colin Salmon 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."
To which Harriet Thorpe, who's joining as Elaine Peacock, added "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!"
On joining EastEnders as Gina Knight, Francesca Henry said "I wish I could tell younger me that one day I would be joining the show that I watched religiously every night with my Grandma. It’s very surreal and a true privilege to be trusted to bring Gina to the Square, and to be a part of such an exciting, tight-knit new family."
To which Molly Rainford, who's joining as Anna Knight, added "I’m SUPER excited to be joining the cast of EastEnders. It’s such an iconic show which myself and my family love, so it’s an honour to bring the character Anna Knight to life who is set to stir up drama upon her arrival. I’ve already met a few familiar faces from my time on Strictly and I can’t wait to meet and be a part of the EastEnders family."
EastEnders continues Mondays to Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One