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EastEnders introduce brand new family and it's not looking good for Nicola Mitchell

Beyond Paradise star Jamie Bamber is joining BBC EastEnders this summer as part of the new Hawkins family set to shake up Walford

[Nicola Mitchell]

Nicola Mitchell's estranged family are moving to Walford(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)

BBC Beyond Paradise star Jamie Bamber has secured a part in BBC soap EastEnders. The actor is most recognised for his portrayal of Archie Hughes in the beloved detective series.

Nevertheless, it has been announced that he's trading Shipton Abbott for Albert Square after news emerged that a family are poised to stir up chaos in Walford.

The Hawkins, the alienated relatives of Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington), are scheduled to arrive this summer. Viewers already know that Nicola maintains a strained relationship with her family and has deliberately distanced herself from them for various reasons.

Now, Nicola's sister Gemma, her husband Ned and their son Ryder, are making their way to Walford alongside her mother Rose and Nicola's youngest sister Jodie. Bringing old grievances and complex family tensions with them, the Hawkins are prepared to create an explosive stir on the Square.

[EastEnders Hawkins family]

The Hawkins family members have been revealed by EastEnders bosses(Image: BBC)

Jamie and Holby City's Patricia Potter will be assuming the parts of Ned Roper and Gemma Hawkins while Amadeus star Felix Uff will be portraying their son, Ryder. They'll be accompanied by Marian McLoughlin, who will play Rose, and Anna Constable as Jodie, reports the Express.

Speaking about joining the programme, Jamie said: "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".

Patricia enthused: "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!."

[425615,Beyond Paradise s1]

Jamie Bamber is best known for playing Archie Highes in Beyond Paradise(Image: BBC / Red Planet Pictures / Craig Hardie)

Marian, best recognised for her role as Marina Bonnaire in Doctors, expressed: "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."

Felix declared: "EastEnders is a staple of British culture and it's a real privilege to join the cast. I can't wait for everyone to see the Hawkins family shaking things up."

Anna revealed: "Growing up watching EastEnders I never thought a disabled actress like me could ever land a role like this. But here I am loud and proud and taking no prisoners in mine or Jodie's wake".

Ben Wadey, Executive Producer, stated: "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."

EastEnders broadcasts Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 6am

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