'EastEnders' is welcoming a new family, the Knights, to Albert Square.
Colin Salmon has joined EastEnders
Linda Carter's (Kellie Bright) mother, Elaine Peacock, is set to arrive in Walford to help her daughter with running the Queen Victoria, and she'll be joined by her lover George Knight and his daughter Gina and Anna.
'James Bond' actor Colin Salmon will play "loveable rogue" George, while 'Absolutely Fabulous' actress Harriet Thorpe will portray Elaine.
'Strictly Come Dancing' contestant Molly Rainford has been cast as Anna, and 'A Discovery of Witches' star Francesca Henry will play her older sister Gina. The family is completed by their beloved chihuahua, Tyson.
Chris Clenshaw, Executive Producer, said in a statement: “The arrival of the Knights brings a new dawn to Albert Square. George Knight is a charming rogue and an old-school gent who dotes on his two daughters, Gina and Anna.
"George will take up residence in The Queen Vic when he joins his beloved Elaine, a powerhouse of a landlady who knows just how to have fun.
"The couple will be joined by feisty, determined and demanding Gina, who is as sharp and cool as cut diamonds but with a temper that blazes like fire, whereas younger sister, Anna is fun, loveable, and big-hearted, but don’t underestimate her.
"George, Gina and Anna have been bound together for years and arriving in Walford is the fresh-start the Knights are looking for.
"We’re thrilled to welcome this hugely talented group of actors; Colin Salmon, Harriet Thorpe, Francesca Henry and Molly Rainford who will be immediately thrown into the heart of the Square, and we can’t wait for everyone to meet them.”
Colin is "thrilled" to have been cast as a "true East End gentleman".
He said: “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.”
Meanwhile, Harriet is looking forward to honouring the "incredible, iconic queens" who have defined the soap over the years.
She said: “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!”
The family will first appear on screen in early summer.