EastEnders casts Christopher Fairbank and Elizabeth Counsell as George Knight’s adoptive parents

EastEnders has cast Christopher Fairbank and Elizabeth Counsell as Eddie and Gloria Knight, the adoptive parents of George Knight, played by Colin Salmon.

Eddie and Gloria arrive in Walford in the hope of building bridges with their son whom they have not seen in over a decade. But it soon becomes apparent that they are hiding a secret…

Speaking on joining the show, Christopher Fairbank said:

“I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to join the cast of EastEnders. Everyone has been so welcoming, and it’s been fantastic to meet and work with the brilliant actors involved in the show.”

Fairbank’s previous credits include The Little Mermaid (2023), Guardians of the Galaxy and Andor, while Counsell has appeared in shows such as Brush Strokes, Doctors, Call The Midwife, and The Split .

This New Year will be a family affair for George Knight with the arrival of his adoptive parents, Gloria and Eddie

Elizabeth Counsell said:

“I can honestly say it has been an absolute joy. The cast and all of the team behind the scenes at EastEnders are brilliant and have been so welcoming. Colin and I actually worked together before, and who would have thought that I’d be playing his mum almost thirty years later!”

As Eddie and Gloria attempt to reconnect with their son, the soap’s executive producer Chris Clenshaw has promised there will be plenty of drama.

Speaking on the new additions, Clenshaw said:

“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome the legendary and immensely talented actors, Christopher and Elizabeth, to the EastEnders family as they bring to life the characters of Eddie and Gloria. Although currently set to join for a short stint, Eddie and Gloria are thrust into the heart of the drama as they try to reconnect with their son but it soon becomes apparent why George has kept his distance.”

Christopher and Elizabeth have already started filming and they will appear on screen in the new year.

EastEnders, Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One