List of EastEnders characters introduced in 2026

Bea Pollard, played by Ronni Ancona, made her first appearance on 7 January 2026.^[2][3] Of her casting, Ancona said, "I am honoured to have been invited to join the iconic institution that is EastEnders, and to go on this whirlwind of a journey with such an unpredictable, nuanced and complex character as Bea. I hope audiences have as much fun watching her as I have had bringing her to life".^[4] Bea is introduced as an old school acquaintance of established character Linda Carter (Kellie Bright); the pair meet at a school reunion and it is revealed that the pair have very different recollections of their experiences at school.^[2] It was also teased that Bea would settle into Walford and would end up being at "the heart of the drama" and leaving a "lasting impression" on the characters she encounters.^[5]

Throughout her tenure, Bea has been shown to be a mentally unhinged, desperate and vulnerable person who reshapes herself into different versions of herself to please others.^[6] One of her major storyline arcs has included becoming obsessed with Honey Mitchell (Emma Barton) and attempting to steal her identity by moving in with her, getting the same job as her, taking out a credit card in her name and committing credit card fraud and dressing identically.^[7] She also endures a short-lived relationship with Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) until he discovers her crimes. Bea has been noted as a polarising character and has sparked discussion between viewers and critics about her intentions. The Metro has noted that some viewers love her, while some hate her, and she has dubbed "bizarre Bea", "Walford's weirdest" and "bonkers Bea". The character was the subject of viral posts in March 2025 when an anonymous person phoned into the Channel 5 chat show Vanessa impersonating Bea.^[8]

Sandra Goodwin, played by Dawn Steele, first appeared in Episode 7296, broadcast on 17 March 2026. She is the adoptive mother of Josh Goodwin (Joshua Vaughan). Steele's casting was announced on 4 March 2026. Sandra arrives in Walford seeking answers about Jasmine Fisher (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness), Josh's biological twin sister and her former foster daughter, after she sees on the news that Jasmine has killed her and Josh's biological father, Anthony Trueman (Nicholas Bailey). When Sandra arrives in Walford, Josh follows her, unbeknownst his birth family are in the area.^[9]

Steele was contracted on a guest contract. Speaking on her casting, she said: "I was thrilled to be asked to play the role of Sandra who arrives and throws a spanner or two into the Square!".^[9] She was impressed by Sandra's characterisation and the storyline, hoping viewers would be "thrilled with another piece of the puzzle ahead of [Jasmine's] trial".< Steele previously portrayed Ange Godard on fellow BBC series Holby City, which was filmed at BBC Elstree Centre; the same place where EastEnders is filmed. Of this, Steele said: "It was so great to go back to Elstree after the end of Holby City. Lots of the same crew (and a few cast!) are still there so it was joyful to see them all again. Everyone was so welcoming and I really enjoyed learning new ways of filming, it really is a well-oiled machine, and everyone works so hard."^[9]

Ivy Knight-Mitchell is the daughter of Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) and George Knight (Colin Salmon), introduced during Episode 7306, broadcast on 2 April 2026. Ivy's birth was written into the soap as a "harrowing storyline" since she is born prematurely. EastEnders sought advice from British infancy charity Bliss to present the storyline accurately and sensitively. The story sees Nicola and George "navigate an emotionally challenging and unexpected turn in their co-parenting journey". Due to complications with her birth, Ivy is delivered through Nicola undergoing an emergency caesarean.^[10]

Executive producer Wadey felt it important to show the challenges and concerns of neonatal care with a premature baby, as well as the impact it has on Ivy's family. Annelies Hopkins, information and support manager at Bliss, hoped the storyline would show what it means to have a baby prematurely. She explained: "As the UK's leading charity representing babies born premature or sick [...] we were grateful to be consulted on this important EastEnders storyline, which shines a light on the unexpected, distressing and often traumatic experience of having a baby in neonatal care."^[10]

Bruce, portrayed by Tyler Kinghorn, is the probation officer of Eddie Knight (Christopher Fairbank), who appeared in two episodes airing 7 and 11 May 2026. He appeared as Nicola Mitchell (Doddington) allowed him to stay with her and his adopted son George (Salmon), whose biological father Eddie murdered. Bruce visited Nicola ahead of Eddie moving in. On 15 May 2026, Kinghorn announced his departure from the soap on his Instagram. He posted a series of screenshots of his time on Albert Square with the caption: "Had a wonderful time and experience playing Bruce on my TV Debut, on BBC ONE and looking forward to what the future holds."^[11]

Russell Delaney, portrayed by Anthony Skordi, is the crime boss of Mark Fowler Jr (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) mentioned indirectly multiple times the prior year with connections to established characters Nicola (Doddington) and Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara). Skordi's casting was announced on 12 May 2026 and was described as a "ruthless crime boss" by Michael Adams from Radio Times. He also described Russell to be "plaguing Mark off-screen for months". Delaney first appeared on 13 May 2026 after having his cronies bundle Mark into a car.^[12] Regarding Delaney's casting, Adams revealed: "Soap fans will meet Russell later this week, and he'll reappear again prior to Nigel Bates's (Paul Bradley) funeral, as news reaches Albert Square that Mark has seemingly vanished into thin air."^[12]

Russell first appears after being contacted by Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp), who Russell knew in the 1990s alongside his siblings Phil (Steve McFadden) and Sam (Kim Medcalf), due to his son Mark (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) previously working Russell and now owes him £100k. Grant attempts to get Mark more time but his attitude angers Russell, who punches Grant for previously sleeping with his wife Joanne. Grant punches Russell to the floor and makes it clear Mark won't anything just as Phil interrupts, leading Russell to double Mark's debt and threatening to kill Mark if he doesn't pay on time.^[12] The next day, Russell breaks into the house of Mark's sister Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) and threatens her, informing Vicki about Mark's troubles and warning her he has a week to pay him.

Sheila Atkins, portrayed by Sheila Ruskin, is the grandmother of Gray Atkins (Toby-Alexander Smith) who first appeared in episode 7350, broadcast on 18 June 2026. Ruskin's casting was announced on 9 June and her character would appear as part of Gray's return storyline. Sheila meets up with Gray's ex-wife, Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams) and her half-sister Libby (Belinda Owusu) after the former admits that Sheila has sent Chelsea many cheques that she has never cashed for their son, Jordan Fox (Jahsaiah Williams), who has recently undergone life-saving surgery on his spine after a road accident. Adams from Radio Times reported: "After some support from Libby, Chelsea bravely meets with Sheila and is relieved to hear that she's no longer in touch with Gray." He continued: "Sheila offers to help Jordan financially, and although Chelsea initially accepts the cash, she's left guilt-ridden and returns it."^[13]

Ria Virdi, portrayed by Aaria Sharma, is introduced as the foster daughter of Suki (Balvinder Sopal) and Eve Panesar-Unwin (Heather Peace) who first appeared in episode 7354, broadcast on 25 June 2026.^[14] She first appears when Suki and Eve's adopting agent Robin Dawson (Alistair Cope) brings her to meet them. Sharma's casting was announced via an Instagram post on 18 June 2026 by her talent agency TTA Kids with the caption: "Welcome to Albert Square Aaria!"^[15]

An EastEnders insider told Digital Spy: "It looks like Suki and Eve's dream is finally coming true, as young girl Ria is placed in their care! After a dramatic week, packed with twists and turns, the couple get the chance to be mums together at last." They continued: "Things don't go entirely smoothly to begin with, but Suki and Eve are putting on a united front and are totally focused on building their new family."^[16]

Cleo Marshall, portrayed by Mazz Murray, is the ex-wife of Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw) and the mother of Joel Marshall (Max Murray). She arrived in Albert Square on 16 July 2026 after Joel was released from a young offenders institute, where he has served a six-month sentence for violently attacking his stepmother, Vicki Fowler (Haig). Mazz's casting was announced two days prior, and she is the real-life aunt of Max Murray, who portrays Joel Marshall. As Cleo arrives and Joel is released, Ross and Vicki return from honeymoon with the shock of the news that Joel can't live with her despite previous arrangements. This puts a strain on Ross and Vicki's relationship.^[17] Adams from Radio Times revealed that this would be a guest role and Mazz would only appear in two episodes.^[18]

Speaking about her casting, Mazz said: "It was so wonderful to be part of these EastEnders episodes as we delve into Joel's familial past, and my experience was made all the better working alongside my talented, gorgeous nephew Max. And also, my childhood school friend Alex Walkinshaw playing [Ross] my ex-husband!"^[17]

DC Craig Ingram, portrayed by Matthew James-Bailey, is a detective constable who first appeared on 20 July 2026. He first appears when assigned to help Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) out when his superiors suspect that he is struggling to balance his workload with supporting his partner, Denise Fox (Diane Parish), through her cancer battle. James-Bailey's casting was announced on 11 July 2026 and it was confirmed that his character would be part of a major police storyline. James-Bailey is known for his previous soap role as series regular Ethan Williams in Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks between 2021 and 2024.^[19]

James-Bailey described his casting as a dream come true. He continued: "From it being the soundtrack to my childhood, always on in the background at home, to gathering around the TV with my family every Christmas, being able to play even a small part in such an iconic piece of British television is truly surreal." Executive producer Wadey spoke of James-Bailey's casting: "We're delighted to welcome Matthew to EastEnders, and he has been a fantastic addition to the cast. Craig's presence in Walford forms part of a storyline involving the Brannings that will unfold this summer."^[20]

Clive Masters, portrayed by Jason Durr, is a local councillor who builds up a friendship with Linda Carter (Bright). Durr's casting was announced on 4 July 2026 and his character was introduced in July as part of a storyline to save the Walford Community Centre from redevelopment. Joe Anderton of Digital Spy revealed: "In upcoming scenes, Walford residents band together to save the centre, with Linda leading the charge. Supportive councillor Clive joins her, and the two strike up a friendship. But Linda soon realises that they've got some real chemistry." Upon his announcement, Durr had already begun filming for his role as Clive. Durr is known for his previous roles in long-running dramas Heartbeat between 1997 and 2003, and Casualty between 2016 and 2023.^[21]

Durr spoke about his casting: "Few shows command their place in the national conversation quite like EastEnders, so I'm delighted to be joining the cast as Clive Masters. Working with the wonderful Kellie Bright has been an absolute joy and pleasure from day one." He continued: "All the cast, crew and production staff have been incredibly generous, welcoming and good humoured. I'm excited for audiences to meet Clive and see what's in store."^[21]

Gemma Hawkins, portrayed by former Holby City star Patricia Potter, is the sister of Nicola Mitchell (Doddington), made her first appearance during Episode 7383, broadcast on 17 August 2026.^[22][23] Potter's casting was announced on 31 July. The serial had previously teased the arrival of Nicola's extended family after she shared a call with Gemma in the episode airing 30 July 2026. The soap also shared a teaser the same day posting a photo of suitcases and boxes with "Hawkins family" written on them. The arrival of the Hawkins family is due to open "old wounds and complicated family dynamics" and are "set to make an explosive impact on the Square".^[24]

Gemma arrives in Walford as she speeds and crashes into a peacock statue outside of Elaine Peacock's (Harriet Thorpe) bed and breakfast. She seeks Nicola's help in dealing with a man named Leo, who is being abusive to Gemma's daughter, Megan.

Executive producer Wadey described the Hawkins family to be a "fantastic addition to Walford". He explained: "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." Potter also said she was "so delighted to be joining this iconic show as part of a new family" and that "a joy and a privilege to be working with such talented actors and wonderful people". She further expressed her excitement and gratitude for the role and her casting.^[25]

Jodie Hawkins, portrayed by Anna Constable, is the sister of Nicola Mitchell (Doddington) and Gemma Hawkins (Potter), made her first appearance during Episode 7383, broadcast on 17 August 2026.^[22][26] Constable's casting was announced on 31 July. The serial previously teased the arrival of Nicola's extended family after she shared a call with Gemma in the episode airing 30 July 2026. The soap also shared a teaser the same day posting a photo of suitcases and boxes with "Hawkins family" written on them. Jodie's arrival alongside her other family members is due to open "old wounds and complicated family dynamics" and are "set to make an explosive impact on the Square".^[27]

Executive producer Wadey described the Hawkins family to be a "fantastic addition to Walford". He explained: "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." Constable spoke of her casting: "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."^[25][26]

Rose Hawkins, portrayed by Marian McLoughlin, is the mother of Nicola Mitchell (Doddington), Gemma Hawkins (Potter), and Jodie Hawkins (Constable), made her first appearance during Episode 7383, broadcast on 17 August 2026.^[22] McLoughlin's casting was announced on 31 July of the same year. The show had previously teased the arrival of Nicola's extended family after she shared a call with Gemma in the episode airing 30 July 2026. The soap also shared a teaser the same day posting a photo of suitcases and boxes with "Hawkins family" written on them. Rose's arrival is due to open "old wounds and complicated family dynamics" and are "set to make an explosive impact on the Square".^[28]

Executive producer Wadey described the Hawkins family to be a "fantastic addition to Walford". He explained: "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." McLouglin spoke of her casting: "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."^[25]

Ned Roper, portrayed by Jamie Bamber, is the husband of Gemma Hawkins (Potter), who is due to appear mid-to-late 2026. His casting was announced on 31 July 2026 and that he would be a member of Nicola's (Doddington) extended family. The show had previously teased the arrival of Nicola's extended family after she shared a call with Gemma in the episode airing 30 July 2026. The soap also shared a teaser the same day posting a photo of suitcases and boxes with "Hawkins family" written on them. The family's arrival is due to open "old wounds and complicated family dynamics" and are "set to make an explosive impact on the Square".^[24]

Executive producer Wadey described the Hawkins family to be a "fantastic addition to Walford". He explained: "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." Bamber spoke about his casting: "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." He continued: "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."^[29]

Ryder, portrayed by Felix Uff, is the son of Gemma Hawkins (Potter) and Ned Roper (Bamber), who will all arrive on the soap mid-to-late 2026. His casting was announced on 31 July. The serial previously teased the arrival of Nicola's extended family after she shared a call with Gemma in the episode airing 30 July 2026. The soap also shared a teaser the same day posting a photo of suitcases and boxes with "Hawkins family" written on them. The family's arrival is due to open "old wounds and complicated family dynamics" and are "set to make an explosive impact on the Square".^[27]

Executive producer Wadey described the Hawkins family to be a "fantastic addition to Walford". He explained: "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." Uff spoke of his casting: "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!"^[25]

Darnell Larson Jr is the half-brother of Denise Fox (Parish), played by Christopher Colquhoun, who will make his first appearance in mid-to-late 2026. Colquhoun's casting was announced on 11 August 2026.^[30]

On joining EastEnders, Colquhoun playfully referred to his casting as a "doof doof moment" for him. Executive producer Wadey detailed the arrival of Darnell as one that will serve as a "new branch" for the Fox and Trueman families.^[31]

Grace is the daughter of Darnell Larson Jr (Colquhoun) and the niece of Denise Fox (Parish), played by Krysstina Frempong, who will make her first appearance in mid-to-late 2026. Frempong's casting was announced on 11 August 2026.^[30]

Frempong expressed her excitement for joining EastEnders, stating: "I have watched the show for as long as I can remember and have such vivid memories of gathering around the TV with my family, especially at Christmas, to watch all the drama unfolding on the Square, so it feels pretty surreal to now be a part of the action!" She referred to the experience of joining the cast as a surreal one and previewed the "complexities" she feels Grace will bring to the canvas. Executive producer Wadey detailed the arrival of Grace as one that will provide a "wider family network" for the canvas.^[31]