List of EastEnders characters introduced in 2024

EastEnders is a BBC soap opera that first aired on 19 February 1985.^[1] The following is a list of characters that first appeared in 2024, in order of first appearance. All characters are introduced by the show's executive producer, Chris Clenshaw.^[2] The first characters to be introduced are Eddie Knight (Christopher Fairbank) and Gloria Knight (Elizabeth Counsell), the adoptive parents of George Knight (Colin Salmon). Harold Martin (David Sterne), the husband of Aunt Sal (Anna Karen), and Logan (Liam Hatch), a bully who attacks Denzel Danes (Jaden Ledega), appear in one episode each during January. Britney Wainwright (Lola Campbell), a teenager who is supported by Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty), joins the recurring cast in March. Her mother, Keeley Wainwright (Kirsty J Curtis), also appears in a guest capacity. Warren Finn (Neil Roberts), a barrister, appears in four episodes in April and September.

Junior Knight (Micah Balfour), the estranged son of George Knight, is introduced in May, followed by his wife Monique Knight (Busayo Ige) and son Xavier Knight (Chase Dean-Williams). Maya Houssain (Bharti Patel) was introduced in May for a story with Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman). In June, an extension of the Mitchell family – Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian), Harry Mitchell (Elijah Holloway) and Barney Mitchell (Lewis Bridgeman) – made their debut. Brenda and Hugh Collins (Nichola McAuliffe and Michael Bertenshaw), the parents of Debbie Colwell (Jenny Meier), appear from July. The following month, Ayesha Siddhu (Laila Rouass), an old friend of Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal), and Kobina Asare (Jonathan Nyati), the brother of George Knight, guest appear. Kojo Asare (Dayo Koleosho), the brother of George and Kobina, also joins the regular cast. Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington), the former wife of Teddy Mitchell, was introduced in November. Additionally, multiple other characters were featured during the year.

Eddie Knight, played by Christopher Fairbank, first appears in episode 6831, originally broadcast on 1 January 2024.^[3] The character and Fairbank's casting details were announced on 10 December 2023.^[3] Eddie is introduced with his wife, Gloria Knight (Elizabeth Counsell), as the adoptive parents of established character George Knight (Colin Salmon).^[3] Fairbank and Counsell were contracted for a short stint.^[3] The characters' backstory states that Eddie and Gloria have not seen George for over a decade. Chris Clenshaw, the show's executive producer, explained that it would "[become] apparent why George has kept his distance".^[3]

The characters' arrival proves a surprise for George and they are introduced with a secret. Clenshaw teased that Eddie and Gloria would be "thrust into the heart of the drama" upon their introduction.^[3] Fairbank expressed his joy at joining the show and working with the cast. Clenshaw was excited about the casting of the "legendary and immensely talented" Fairbank and Counsell.^[3] Producers used the characters of Eddie, Gloria and George to explore the topic of baby farming. To ensure the story was portrayed sensitively and accurately, the show worked with experts and those with lived experiences of farming.^[4] Through the story, Eddie's "racist ideologies" are also examined and result in clashes with his family.^[4] Clenshaw opined that the story follows EastEnders' tradition of "telling challenging yet truthful stories".^[4] He added that the story would challenge George "to question the identity his parents gave him from childhood as he discovers the true means by which he was adopted".^[4]

Gloria Knight, played by Elizabeth Counsell, first appears in episode 6831, originally broadcast on 1 January 2024.^[3] The character and Counsell's casting details were announced on 10 December 2023.^[3] Gloria is introduced with her husband, Eddie Knight (Christopher Fairbank), as the adoptive parents of established character George Knight (Colin Salmon).^[3] Counsell and Fairbank were contracted for a short stint.^[3] The characters' backstory states that Gloria and Eddie have not seen George for over a decade. Chris Clenshaw, the show's executive producer, explained that it would "[become] apparent why George has kept his distance".^[3] Counsell expressed her joy at joining the show and working with the cast and crew. She was looking forward to working with Salmon again, having previously worked together almost thirty years prior.^[3] Clenshaw was excited about the casting of the "legendary and immensely talented" Counsell and Fairbank.^[3]

The characters' arrival proves a surprise for George and they are introduced with a secret. Clenshaw teased that Gloria and Eddie would be "thrust into the heart of the drama" upon their introduction.^[3] Producers used the characters of Gloria, Eddie and George to explore the topic of baby farming. To ensure the story was portrayed sensitively and accurately, the show worked with experts and those with lived experiences of farming.^[4] Clenshaw opined that the story follows EastEnders' tradition of "telling challenging yet truthful stories".^[4] He added that the story would challenge George "to question the identity his parents gave him from childhood as he discovers the true means by which he was adopted".^[4] The character was written out of the series in episode 6890, originally broadcast on 11 April 2024. Gloria was killed off after suffering a heart attack, having reunited with George.^[5]

Harold Martin, played by David Sterne, first appears in episode 6839, originally broadcast on 15 January 2024.^[6] The character and Sterne's casting details were announced on 8 January 2024.^[7] Harold is introduced as the husband of established character Aunt Sal (Anna Karen), the aunt of Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) and Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf).^[7] Aunt Sal appeared on the show sporadically across 21 years with Harold being referenced throughout her appearances but never appearing.^[7] Sterne was contracted for a short guest stint. Chris Clenshaw, the show's executive producer, expressed his joy at casting Sterne and described the character as "elusive".^[7]

Producers introduced Harold to the show as part of a set of episodes portraying Aunt Sal's funeral. The character of Aunt Sal was killed off, off screen, following the real life death of Karen in early 2022. Clenshaw opined that it was "imperative that we gave Aunt Sal the send-off she deserved".^[7] Sterne enjoyed playing the character of Harold and recognised that the character was "important in the context of the show".^[7] He added, "The writing was brilliant, so he was a joy to play."^[7]

Logan, played by Liam Hatch, appears in episode 6847, originally broadcast on 29 January 2024.^[8] The character was announced on 24 January 2024.^[9] Logan is introduced as a school bully who has a fight with Denzel Danes (Jaden Ladega).^[10] Hatch used his own personal experiences of school to prepare for the role of Logan, but recognised that society had changed since he was at school. In light of this, the actor aimed to "modernise [himself] in a way" through his mannerisms and body language.^[11] Hatch's casting received criticism from viewers of the show as he is 10 years older than his character.^[10] The actor found the comments amusing and admitted that his friends had contacted him to check how he was feeling.^[11] Nadia Khomami, writing for The Guardian, opined that Logan had become "the most talked about bully of the week".^[11] Dan Seddon from Digital Spy described the character as someone "making Denzel Danes' life a misery on screen".^[10]

Logan first appears when he cuts the queue at McKlunky's fast food restaurant and insults Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd), who leaves, upset. Amy's boyfriend, Denzel Danes, sees Logan and confronts him in the market. Denzel receives support from the market traders, so Logan leaves. That night, Logan and his friends corner Denzel in a back alley and attack him, filming the attack. Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) finds the gang attacking Denzel and runs to intervene, but falls over; they begin filming her and laughing. Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James) sees the attack and threatens them with a metal pipe, so they all run away.^[8]

Britney Wainwright, played by Lola Campbell, first appears in episode 6867, originally broadcast on 4 March 2024.^[12] The character and Campbell's casting details were announced on 26 February 2024.^[12] Britney is introduced as a neglected child who bonds with established character Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty).^[12] McGarty likened Britney to a younger version of Whitney, which she said Whitney recognises.^[13] Britney is introduced during two special episodes of the show. The episodes were set across five weeks in Milton Keynes and feature the return of Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer).^[12] Filming took place from January 2024 with some on-location filming captured in paparazzi photography.^[14]

Writers devised the character of Britney as part of McGarty's exit from the series.^[12] Chris Clenshaw, the show's executive producer, was excited for Campbell to join the cast and teased that Whitney would be "thrust into the heart of the drama" with Britney's arrival.^[12] The character's backstory states that she and her brother, Taylor Wainwright (Mason Godfrey), are being neglected by their mother, Keeley Wainwright (Kirsty J Curtis), who is battling with addiction.^[12] Britney and Taylor live on the same estate as Bianca and are being supported by her. McGarty observed that Whitney feels "incredibly sorry" for Britney when they meet and resolves to "take her under her wing".^[13] Britney has not been attending school at all since the COVID-19 pandemic, which annoys Whitney. Keeley is later arrested, leaving Britney alone. Whitney then decides that she and her partner Zack Hudson (James Farrar) will foster her. McGarty told Sarah Ellis of Inside Soap that Whitney begins to make Britney "her main priority" instead of Zack and her unborn baby, which she opined was "quite sad".^[13]

Keeley Wainwright, played by Kirsty J Curtis, first appears in episode 6867, originally broadcast on 4 March 2024.^[15] The character and Curtis' casting details were announced on 26 February 2024.^[12] Keeley is introduced as the mother of Britney Wainwright (Lola Campbell) and Taylor Wainwright (Mason Godfrey). She is characterised as a neglectful mother who is battling addiction.^[12] The character initially appears in two special episodes of the show, which were set across five weeks in Milton Keynes and include the return of Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer).^[12] Filming took place from January 2024 with some on-location filming captured in paparazzi photography.^[14]

Keeley is neglectful towards her children and leaves them locked outside in the rain. Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) confronts her about this and offers to help, but she rejects her support. Keeley later finds Britney and Whitney talking and takes Britney away; Britney explains that she is running an errand for her mother. When Whitney finds drugs on Britney, she confronts Keeley and is followed by her partner, Zack Hudson (James Farrar), and mother, Bianca Jackson. Keeley insults Bianca and taunts her about her recent breakup with Terry Spraggan (Terry Alderton), claiming that she had sex with Terry. In retaliation, Bianca throws a brick through Keeley's window as Britney arrives. Keeley blames Britney and drags her by her hair until Whitney stops it.^[15] The following day, Keeley is arrested for drug possession. After she is released, Whitney visits her and barges into her house. She berates Keeley for the state of the house and her upbringing of Britney, so Keeley tells Whitney to take her.^[16]

Keeley returns in episode 6895, which originally aired on 22 April 2024, after Britney is hospitalized after falling off her bike. She tells Whitney and Zack that Britney was diagnosed with Usher syndrome when she was younger and that the accident is likely because of that. Zack is mad that she didn't tell them, but Whitney understands that it would be difficult to tell Britney that she would lose her sight and hearing in the future. Keeley explains that she could never take care of a child who is blind and deaf and leaves before she has the chance to see Britney again. Keeley gives Whitney Britney's birth certificate before Whitney reminds Keeley that Usher syndrome is genetic and Keeley's drugs are not the cause of it. Keeley then tells Whitney that Zack clearly doesn't want Britney and Whitney should stop telling him that fostering Britney is temporary. Whitney says that Zack is a good guy and wouldn't give up a disabled child. Keeley departs in episode 6902, originally airing on 2 May 2024, when she heads back to Milton Keynes.

Warren Finn, played by Neil Roberts, first appears in episode 6889, originally broadcast on 10 April 2024.^[17] The character and Roberts' casting details were announced on 4 April 2024.^[18] Warren is introduced as the barrister hired to represent Eddie Knight (Christopher Fairbank) at his trial for historic racially motivated murder.^[18] Warren was described as a "straight-talking barrister" by Angie Quinn from MyLondon.^[19] Roberts was contracted for a guest stint.^[18] The actor expressed his excitement at guest starring in the soap. He was pleased to be part of the story and wanted to ensure it was portrayed "accurately and sensitively".^[18] The character appears in two episodes and departs in episode 6890, originally broadcast on 11 April 2024.^[20] Roberts reprised the role for two further episodes, first broadcast in September 2024.^[21][22]

At Eddie's trial, Warren questions his adopted son George Knight (Colin Salmon) about his witness statement, his upbringing and the character statement he was prepared to share at the pre-trial. Warren suggests that George is doing this in spite after learning that he was subject to baby farming as an infant.^[17] Eddie and Charles Dunlane (Jack Chissick) are then found guilty.^[20] Warren returns to defend Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo) at his trial for the murder of Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters).^[21]

Junior Knight, played by Micah Balfour, first appears in episode 6906, originally broadcast on 13 May 2024.^[23] The character had been referenced before his introduction, but further details about the character and Balfour's casting details were announced on 2 May 2024.^[23] Junior is introduced as the estranged son of George Knight (Colin Salmon).^[23] Balfour described Junior as "a complex man".^[23] The character's backstory states that Junior and George have been estranged for decades; however, the reasons were not disclosed prior to his arrival.^[24] This was then explored in the character's early episodes.^[25]

Monique Knight, played by Busayo Ige, first appears in episode 6907, originally broadcast on 14 May 2024.^[25] The character and Ige's casting details were announced on the same day as her first appearance.^[26] Monique is introduced as the wife of Junior Knight (Micah Balfour) and arrives with their young son, Xavier Knight (Chase Dean-Williams).^[25] Monique is of Ghanaian heritage, which helps her bond with Junior's father, George Knight (Colin Salmon).^[26] Producers wanted the characters of Monique and Xavier to be a surprise to the audience, especially as Junior has had sex with Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) after his introduction.^[25] This twist led to Monique and Xavier's departures from the series after she learns the truth. The character departs in episode 6922, originally broadcast on 6 June 2024.^[27]

Xavier Knight, played by Chase Dean-Williams, first appears in episode 6907, originally broadcast on 14 May 2024.^[25] The character and Dean-Williams' casting details were announced on the same day as his first appearance.^[26] Xavier is introduced as the young son of Junior Knight (Micah Balfour) and arrives with his mother, Monique Knight (Busayo Ige).^[25] Producers wanted the characters of Monique and Xavier to be a surprise to the audience, especially as Junior has had sex with Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) after his introduction.^[25] This twist leads to Monique and Xavier's departures from the series after she learns the truth. The character departs in episode 6922, originally broadcast on 6 June 2024.^[27]

Maya Houssain, played by Bharti Patel, first appears in episode 6916, originally broadcast on 29 May 2024.^[28] The character and Patel's casting details were announced on 20 May 2024.^[29] Maya is introduced as a new friend for Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman) as part of his story exploring loneliness.^[29] Lily Shield-Polyzoides from Inside Soap suggested that the new friendship may not be "as innocent as it seems".^[30] Patel was contracted for a guest stint,^[28] and departed in episode 6964, originally broadcast on 21 August 2024.^[31]

Maya and Harvey's friendship develops over time and they become closer, which causes concern in his relationship with Jean Slater (Gillian Wright).^[32] Writers slowly revealed information about Maya's backstory, including that her husband has died recently.^[32] Viewers began speculating about the character's backstory and suggested that she has a connection to Aaron Monroe (Charlie Wernham), Harvey's son who was arrested for a far-right terrorist attack.^[32] In an unpublicised twist, it is revealed that Maya's backstory links into a 2021 story involving Harvey and Aaron. In the story, Aaron assaulted a taxi driver – revealed to be Maya's husband – in a racially motivated attack, and Harvey provided him with an alibi.^[33] Sanjiv Hayre was introduced as Maya's husband, Abdul Houssain, who requires full-time care after the attack.^[33] Harvey agrees to support Maya and Abdul financially as "penance" for his role in helping Aaron. Writers used this to create problems for Harvey and Jean's relationship.^[34]

Teddy Mitchell, played by Roland Manookian, first appears in episode 6931, originally broadcast on 26 June 2024.^[35] The character and Manookian's casting details were announced on 6 June 2024.^[36] Teddy is created alongside his sons, Harry Mitchell (Elijah Holloway) and Barney Mitchell (Lewis Bridgeman), as an extension of the well-established Mitchell family.^[36] The character is introduced as the son of Stevie Mitchell (Alan Ford) and half-brother of Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick), who did not know about Teddy's existence.^[36]

Harry Mitchell, played by Elijah Holloway, first appears in episode 6931, originally broadcast on 26 June 2024.^[35] The character and Holloway's casting details were announced on 6 June 2024.^[36] Harry is created alongside his father, Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian), and brother, Barney Mitchell (Lewis Bridgeman), as an extension of the well-established Mitchell family.^[36] The character is introduced as the nephew of established character Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick), who did not know about the extended family's existence.^[36] Chris Clenshaw, the show's executive producer, was excited for the arrival of the extended Mitchell family and teased that they would develop a rivalry with Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden).^[36]

Holloway characterised Harry as a charming and temperamental person who cannot "resist trouble, or the ladies".^[36] He thought that Harry would "shake things up in typical Mitchell style".^[36] Holloway felt privileged to join the soap and was excited to portray a member of the Mitchell family.^[36] Producers romantically paired Harry with established character Penny Branning (Kitty Castledine) in his early scenes. Chloe Timms from Inside Soap reported that "chemistry sizzles" between the pair upon Harry's arrival.^[35]

Barney Mitchell, played by Lewis Bridgeman, first appears in episode 6931, originally broadcast on 26 June 2024.^[35] The character and Bridgeman's casting details were announced on 6 June 2024.^[36] Barney is created alongside his father, Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian), and brother, Harry Mitchell (Elijah Holloway), as an extension of the well-established Mitchell family.^[36] The character is introduced as the nephew of established character Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick), who did not know about the extended family's existence.^[36] Chris Clenshaw, the show's executive producer, was excited for the arrival of the extended Mitchell family and teased that they would develop a rivalry with Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden).^[36]

Bridgeman described Barney as "introverted", which contrasts the rest of his family.^[36] He thought that Barney was "an interesting character to explore".^[36] Bridgeman was excited to be cast in the show and looked forward to watching the character develop.^[36] Producers created a friendship between Barney and established character Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James) in his early scenes.^[35]

Brenda Collins, played by Nichola McAuliffe, and Hugh Collins, played by Michael Bertenshaw, first appear in episode 6951, originally broadcast on 29 July 2024.^[37] The character and McAuliffe and Bertenshaw's casting details were announced on 25 July 2024.^[38] Brenda and Hugh are created as the parents of Debbie Colwell (Jenny Meier), who is married to established character Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman).^[38] The characters are introduced in the aftermath of Debbie's death; unbeknownst to anyone, she was murdered by Reiss.^[38] Justin Harp of Digital Spy reported that Brenda and Hugh would have "some uncomfortable questions" for Reiss.^[38]

Ayesha Siddhu, played by Laila Rouass, first appears in episode 6955, originally broadcast on 5 August 2024.^[39] The character and Rouass' casting details were announced on 26 July 2024.^[40] Ayesha is introduced as an old friend of Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal) and arrives after being invited to Albert Square, the show's setting, by Suki's former husband Nish Panesar (Navin Chowdhry).^[40] Rouass was excited to appear in the soap and work with Chowdhry and Sopal, having previously worked with the former. The actress was born and raised in the East End of London, so dubbed her role "a lifelong dream come true".^[40] In an interview with Laura Denby from the Radio Times, Rouass revealed that she had always wanted a role in EastEnders and felt that she could not turn the opportunity down.^[39] Rouass was contracted for a guest stint,^[40] and the character departs in episode 6958, originally broadcast on 12 August 2024.^[41]

The character's backstory states that Nish murdered Ayesha's husband, Hardeep, because he thought he was having an affair with Suki. However, it emerges that Suki actually had romantic feelings towards Ayesha, which she reciprocated but never acted upon.^[39] Rouass described their relationship as a "first love thing" and explained that Ayesha finds Suki's decision to come out "inspiring" and brave as she did not expect it to happen.^[39] When they meet, Nish apologises to Ayesha for murdering Hardeep, but Ayesha refuses to accept his apology. Rouass told Denby that Ayesha "probably has hate in her heart for Nish", so is not prepared to "tolerate" him now.^[39] Nish reunites Ayesha and Suki in hope that it creates problems for her relationship to Eve Unwin (Heather Peace). Rouass pointed out that Ayesha quickly recognises how Nish is trying to manipulate the situation, having witnessed emotional abuse from Nish towards Suki in the past.^[39]

Kobina Asare, played by Jonathan Nyati, first appears in episode 6967, originally broadcast on 27 August 2024.^[42] The character and Nyati's casting details were announced on 14 August 2024.^[43] Kobina is introduced alongside his brother, Kojo Asare (Dayo Koleosho), as the long-lost brothers of established character George Knight (Colin Salmon).^[43] Producers devised the characters as part of the continued exploration of George's family and backstory after he discovers he is of Ghanaian heritage.^[43] Kobina and Kojo arrive during a visit to the UK from Ghana and are introduced to George by their mother's friend, Angela Lawal (Susan Auderin), who had been previously introduced to the show.^[42] Kobina is a carer for Kojo, who is autistic.^[43]

The characters' shared backstory states that their father was killed by George's adoptive father. Kobina and Kojo were unaware of this until George reveals the truth, which causes tension between them. An Inside Soap columnist observed that the revelation "sours the atmosphere somewhat".^[42] Chris Clenshaw, the show's executive producer, explained that this would create "a lot of complex emotions" for the brothers.^[43] Nyati expressed his delight at appearing in EastEnders and being part of George's story.^[43] Nyati was contracted for a guest stint,^[43] and departs in episode 6969, originally broadcast on 29 August 2024.^[44]

Kojo Asare, played by Dayo Koleosho, first appears in episode 6967, originally broadcast on 27 August 2024.^[42] The character and Koleosho's casting details were announced on 14 August 2024.^[43] Kojo is introduced alongside his brother, Kobina Asare (Jonathan Nyati), as the long-lost brothers of established character George Knight (Colin Salmon).^[43] Producers devised the characters as part of the continued exploration of George's family and backstory after he discovers he is of Ghanaian heritage.^[43] Kojo and Kobina arrive during a visit to the UK from Ghana and are introduced to George by their mother's friend, Angela Lawal (Susan Auderin), who had been previously introduced to the show.^[42] Kojo is autistic and Koleosho is a neurodivergent actor.^[43] Kobina is Kojo's carer, a role which George takes on after Kobina explains how he is becoming overwhelmed with the responsibility.^[45] To support Koleosho on-set, a calmer environment was established. Salmon enjoyed working with Koleosho and felt proud that the show was portraying autism.^[45]

The characters' shared backstory states that their father was killed by George's adoptive father. Kojo and Kobina were unaware of this until George reveals the truth, which causes tension between them. An Inside Soap columnist observed that the revelation "sours the atmosphere somewhat".^[42] Chris Clenshaw, the show's executive producer, explained that this would create "a lot of complex emotions" for the brothers.^[43] Koleosho was contracted to the main cast.^[43] He expressed his delight at joining the cast and working with his co-stars. He commented, "It is a dream that has become reality."^[43]

Nicola Mitchell, played by Laura Doddington, first appears in episode 7011, originally broadcast on 11 November 2024.^[46] The character had been referenced before her introduction, but further details about the character and Doddington's casting details were announced on 2 October 2024.^[47] Nicola is introduced as the former wife of Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian) and mother of Harry Mitchell (Elijah Holloway) and Barney Mitchell (Lewis Bridgeman).^[47] Doddington previously guest starred in EastEnders in an episode first broadcast in 2009.^[48] Doddington was excited to join the cast and enjoyed working with her on-screen family.^[47] Chris Clenshaw, the show's executive producer, expressed his joy surrounding Nicola's introduction and looked forward to exploring her relationships with her family.^[47]