List of EastEnders characters (2023)

Brett Nelson, played by Fabrizio Santino, first appears in episode 6625, originally broadcast on 9 January 2023.[2] The character and Santino's casting details were announced on 29 December 2022.[2] Brett is introduced as someone from Zack Hudson's (James Farrar) past. He is described as "enigmatic".[2] Producers used the characters of Brett and Zack to explore the issue of HIV and worked with the charity Terrence Higgins Trust to develop the story. Having previously tackled the issue in the 1990s using the character of Mark Fowler (Todd Carty), EastEnders aims to highlight the developments in HIV research in the last 30 years.[3] The shared backstory between Brett and Zack states that the latter contracted HIV from Brett after they shared needles from steroid injections.[4] The character makes his final appearance in episode 6631, originally broadcast on 19 January 2023.[5]

Emma Harding, played by Patsy Kensit, first appears in episode 6635, originally broadcast on 25 January 2023.[6] The character and Kensit's casting details were first reported on 5 November 2022,[7] with further details announced on 20 December 2022.[8] Emma is introduced as the estranged mother of established character Lola Pearce (Danielle Harold), who is terminally ill with a brain tumour.[8] Kensit was contracted for a “short stint” and began filming in November 2022.[8][7] Chris Clenshaw, the show's executive producer, thought Emma shared some similarities with Lola, including "a striking resemblance; successful, the capacity to hold her own [...] and she's a fighter".[8] He noted that Emma is also "softly spoken and measured", unlike Lola.[8]

The character's backstory states that she left Lola and her father, Dan, when Lola was three years old.[8] Clenshaw explained that Emma wants to reconcile with her daughter, having felt guilty since she left.[8] Kensit expressed her joy at appearing in the soap and praised the show's cast and production team.[8] Clenshaw called Kensit the "perfect fit" for the character of Emma, who he described as "a long-awaited character that we know very little about".[8] He added, "Patsy's portrayal is bound to set off fireworks in Walford and cause havoc for the Mitchell household."[8] The character appears across two months, departing in episode 6672, originally broadcast on 30 March 2023. Her exit was described as "heartwrenching" by Justin Harp of Digital Spy.[9]

Lola's grandfather, Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick), tracks Emma down after Lola expresses a wish to meet her mother before she dies. Emma admits that she is always thinking about Lola, but declines an invite to her wedding that day. Despite this, she visits Walford, where Lola lives, and watches her and her husband, Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick), from afar. Emma books an appointment at Fox & Hair salon, where Lola works, under the name Nicole; they bond but Emma does not reveal her identity. She is then upset to learn that Lola is terminally ill through watching her online vlogs. When Lola tells Emma about her daughter, Lexi Pearce (Isabella Brown), being bullied, Emma visits the school and threatens the bully. Emma anonymously delivers an envelope of money to Lola, who is concerned about the delivery. When Emma books another appointment with Lola and tips her cash, Lola becomes suspicious and accuses Emma of delivering money. As Emma explains that she is trying to help Lola, Billy and Jay enter and reveal that Emma is Lola's mother. Although Lola is initially against speaking to Emma, she relents when Emma explains that Dan was an abusive alcoholic who hospitalised her when he threw boiling water over her. She adds that Dan then took Lola away and lied that Emma had abandoned her; Lola does not believe her but changes her mind when Emma shows her the scars from the incident.

Emma tries to rebuild her relationship with Lola, but Billy and Jay are suspicious of her intentions. Lola struggles with Emma's overbearing behaviour and asks for some space. Before leaving, Emma gives Lexi a locket with her phone number in. A few weeks later, Lexi calls Emma to inform her of Lola's deterioration. Whilst initially angry that Emma gave her phone number to Lexi, Lola soon reconciles with Emma, who becomes wary of Jay. At Peggy's bar, Emma spots Jay and another woman talking and assumes they are having an affair; she tells Lola, who throws Jay out. After speaking to Jay's former girlfriend, Honey Mitchell (Emma Barton), Emma realises that she was wrong and apologises. Emma, Lola and Lexi then spend Mother's Day together, which upsets Lexi, who wanted to spend the day alone with Lola. Emma supports Lola, Jay and Lexi when they arrange a charity fundraiser, but she is devastated when Lola learns that her tumour is incurable and she has six months to live. Emma confides in Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf) that she believes Lola is better off without her, and tells Lola that she has been offered a job in America. Lola is furious by Emma leaving her again and tells her that she does not want to see her again.

Jed, played by Bradley Jaden, first appears in episode 6638, originally broadcast on 31 January 2023.[10] The character and Jaden's casting details were announced on 24 January 2023.[10] Jed is introduced as a lodger for Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) at number 25 Albert Square. He is billed as a "free spirit" who charms Sonia.[10] Lewis Knight from the Radio Times suggested that Jed may be involved in a love triangle with Sonia and Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman).[10] The character departs in episode 6644, originally broadcast on 10 February 2023, when he is evicted.[11]

Jo Cotton, played by Vicki Michelle, first appears in episode 6671, originally broadcast on 29 March 2023. Michelle's casting in the soap was reported on 4 February 2023.[12] Details about her character were announced by executive producer Chris Clenshaw during an interview on Loose Women on 24 February 2023.[13] The character had been referenced in episode 6596, first broadcast on 23 November 2022.[14] Jo is introduced as the estranged wife of established character Tom "Rocky" Cotton (Brian Conley), who is engaged to Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth).[13] Michelle was contracted to appear in two episodes and began filming in February.[12] The character departs in episode 6672, originally broadcast on 30 March 2023.[15] Appearing on Lorraine, Michelle told host Lorraine Kelly that she wanted the role to be developed into a regular position.[16]

Jo is characterised as "brash, quick-witted, and extremely glamorous" by Clenshaw.[17] The character's backstory states that Jo and Rocky have been married for 25 years. Producers kept most details about the backstory embargoed.[17] As part of Jo's introduction, she is contacted by Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier) and arrives at Kathy's house. Conley explained that Rocky is "devastated" by Jo's arrival and "watches on in horror" as Jo meets Kathy.[18] He added that "all hell is going to break loose" through Jo's introduction.[18] Michelle expressed her delight at the character and story.[17] The actress enjoyed working with Conley and Taylforth, who she already knew before filming. She told Ashleigh Rainbird of the Daily Mirror that she was nervous for filming and accidentally messed up one line five times, but found reassurance from her co-stars.[19] Having been raised in the East End of London, Michelle felt the role was right for her and used her native accent when playing Jo.[19] Clenshaw was delighted to welcome Michelle to the cast and deemed her the "perfect fit to take on the elusive character of Rocky's wife".[17] He praised the scenes between Jo, Rocky and Kathy, calling them "brilliant".[13]

The character received a positive reception from critics and viewers alike. Grace Morris of What to Watch called her arrival "explosive" and predicted that she could be reintroduced in the future.[15] She also noted that the audience liked the character and her "sassy one-liners", hoping that Michelle would join the show's main cast.[15] Likewise, MyLondon's Angie Quinn praised her "sarcastic insults and glamorous looks" and observed that she had "instantly become a hit with impressed EastEnders viewers".[20]

Shiv (credited as Shifty Shiv), played by Peter Caulfield, first appears in episode 6667, originally broadcast on 22 March 2023.[21] The character and Caulfield's casting details were announced on 14 March 2023.[22] Shiv is introduced as a "shifty" loan shark who loans money to Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner).[22] He is billed as "nasty" and a "villainous character".[22] The character is created as part of a story exploring the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on families.[22] Turner explained that Stacey is scared of Shiv because "he's not a normal thug, he's a creepy thug."[23]

Troy, played by Chris Evangelou, first appears in episode 6669, originally broadcast on 27 March 2023.[24] Evangelou's casting was publicised in a social media post by co-star Max Bowden on 22 March 2023.[25] Details about the character were then announced on 27 March 2023.[24] Troy is introduced as a boxer at the Boxing Den gym, a new set on the show. Evangelou is a former professional boxer and was cast in a guest role.[24] The character appears in a story with Ben Mitchell, portrayed by Bowden, as Ben takes up boxing at the gym. Bowden enjoyed working with Evangelou on the story.[24] Evangelou was excited to be cast in the soap and felt "grateful for this opportunity".[24]

Anna Knight, played by Molly Rainford, is set to first appear on 1 June 2023.[26][27] Rainford's casting was first reported on 1 March 2023,[28] with the character and further details announced on 28 March 2023.[27] Anna is introduced as part of the Knight family, who buy into The Queen Victoria pub, a focal setting in the soap. The family consist of patriarch George Knight (Colin Salmon), George's two daughters Gina Knight (Francesca Henry) and Anna, and their pet Chihuahua, Tyson. George's partner Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe), who is the mother of established character Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), is also introduced with the family.[27]

Anna is characterised as "fun, loveable, and big-hearted", but also someone not to be misjudged.[27] Chris Clenshaw, the show's executive producer, explained that the family have been "bound together for years" and moving to the show's setting of Walford creates "the fresh-start the Knights are looking for".[27] Rainford expressed her joy at joining the cast and commented, "it's an honour to bring the character Anna Knight to life who is set to stir up drama upon her arrival".[27] Clenshaw expressed his delight at casting a "hugely talented group of actors" and looked forward to their first scenes airing.[27]

Gina Knight, played by Francesca Henry, is set to first appear on 1 June 2023.[26][27] The character and Henry's casting details were announced on 28 March 2023.[27] Gina is introduced as part of the Knight family, who buy into The Queen Victoria pub, a focal setting in the soap. The family consist of patriarch George Knight (Colin Salmon), George's two daughters Gina and Anna Knight (Molly Rainford), and their pet Chihuahua, Tyson. George's partner Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe), who is the mother of established character Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), is also introduced with the family.[27]

Gina is characterised as "feisty, determined and demanding" and "as sharp and cool as cut diamonds but with a temper that blazes like fire".[27] Chris Clenshaw, the show's executive producer, explained that the family have been "bound together for years" and moving to the show's setting of Walford creates "the fresh-start the Knights are looking for".[27] Henry expressed her amazement at being cast in the show and commented, "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."[27] Clenshaw expressed his delight at casting a "hugely talented group of actors" and looked forward to their first scenes airing.[27]

George Knight, played by Colin Salmon, is set to first appear on 1 June 2023.[26][27] The character and Salmon's casting details were announced on 28 March 2023.[27] George is introduced as part of the Knight family, who buy into The Queen Victoria pub, a focal setting in the soap. The family consist of patriarch George, his two daughters Gina Knight (Francesca Henry) and Anna Knight (Molly Rainford), and their pet Chihuahua, Tyson. George's partner Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe), who is the mother of established character Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), is also introduced with the family.[27] Salmon began filming in March 2023.[29]

George is characterised as "a tough-talking and fiercely protective doting dad".[27] Salmon called his character "a true East End gentleman", which he identified with, having been born in the East End of London.[27] Chris Clenshaw, the show's executive producer, described George as "a charming rogue and an old-school gent".[27] He explained that the family have been "bound together for years" and moving to the show's setting of Walford creates "the fresh-start the Knights are looking for".[27] Salmon expressed his excitement at joining the cast and looked forward to exploring his character. He commented, "I have a great affinity and love for the show and I look forward to being part of the great legacy."[27] Clenshaw expressed his delight at casting a "hugely talented group of actors" and looked forward to their first scenes airing.[27]