A new family is moving into The Queen Victoria, and tensions are rising in Albert Square. Since Mick’s disappearance, Linda Carter has been having a hard time running the pub on her own. Both Sharon Watts and the Panesars are eager to combine forces with Linda to take over the storied establishment on Albert Square. Unbeknownst to them, Linda and her mother Elaine Peacock are conspiring to bring Elaine’s new boyfriend, George Knight, and Knight’s daughters, Gina and Anna, to the Square.
George Knight, the head of the Knight family, is a tough-talking and fiercely protective doting dad, a character that Colin Salmon will play. Colin has had a distinguished career in cinema, television, and theater, with roles in such notable productions as James Bond and Prime Suspect. Elaine, Linda’s imposing mother, will be played by Harriet Thorpe. Harriet has been performing for 42 years, during which time she has appeared in the West End and in various television shows, including Absolutely Fabulous.
Francesca Henry, who has appeared in dramas like A Discovery of Witches, will be playing Gina, and Molly Rainford, who is best known for her role as Nova Jones in CBBC and most recently appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, will be playing Anna, the youngest of the family. Tyson, the family’s Chihuahua, will also be joining them.
Speaking on joining the show, Colin says: “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.”
Harriet adds: “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!”