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EastEnders is a British soap opera, examining the domestic and professional lives of working class characters who live in the fictitious London Borough of Walford in the East End of London. It has aired on BBC One in the United Kingdom since 19 February 1985. Key people involved in the production of EastEnders have stressed how important the idea of strong families is to the programme.[1]

Louise Berridge said of families in EastEnders during her time as executive producer from 2002 to 2004: "Clans were the original building blocks of EastEnders, and that's what the show is returning to now. When it started, it was all about the Watts, the Fowlers, the Wicks and the Beales. For a while, that focus was lost; there were too many single characters hanging around on the periphery of the action, while the family groups were being weakened and compromised. Then the Slaters were bought in as a big, powerful clan, and the Watts family was rebuilt. The Fowlers were reconstituted in 2004, as were the Beales and Mitchells. Those families are the mainspring of most of the best drama, because once you've got family groups you instantly have conflicts of loyalty." [2]

John Yorke, writing for The Guardian in March 2013, asked, "Why do characters in EastEnders offer up the mantra, 'It's all about family'? Because it gives them something to fight for; it gives them a goal—it brings them to life."[3] In 2017, Sean O'Connor said, "the idea of family is riven through EastEnders' DNA like a stick of rock."[4]

EastEnders families

[edit]

Below are listed the various family units that have appeared in EastEnders.

Beale

[edit]
Main article: Beale family

Branning

[edit]
Main article: Branning family

Butcher

[edit]

The Butcher family originated with the introduction of Frank (Mike Reid) in 1987. Initially devised as a one-off love-interest from Pat Wicks' past, the character was brought back in 1988 to help fill the vacuum created by the departures of Den and Angie Watts, reuniting with Pat and taking over the Vic.[5] Two of Frank's children, Ricky (Sid Owen) and Diane (Sophie Lawrence), joined him and Pat in the pub, together with his elderly mother, Mo, played by Edna Doré. The arrival of the Butchers in EastEnders reflected producer Mike Gibbons increasing control of the programme, as creator Julia Smith began to take a back-seat. In 1989 Frank and Pat were married, with his eldest daughter, Clare, coming into the show to attend the celebrations; she had been taking care of Frank's youngest child, Janine, but seeing as her father had finally settled down, left Janine for him and Pat to raise. In 1990, Mo began to suffer from severe dementia and began to think Frank was trying to kill her. The deterioration of his mother was devastating to Frank and so when his sister, Joan Garwood, came to visit, he agreed that Mo should go and live with her, departing Walford at the end of the year. In 1991 Michael Ferguson took over the show and decided to bring back Diane who had run-away 12 months before, in a storyline that had been left open-ended.[5] Frank also began to suffer from marital and monetary problems, and in desperation torched his car-lot in 1994 in order to claim the insurance. The resulting fire consumed a homeless man who had been sleeping in one of the cars, the guilt of which tormented Frank. The character's disheartening storylines also affected actor Mike Reid, who began to suffer from depression and consequently took an extended hiatus from the show.[6]

His departure brought an end to a discernable Butcher presence on the Square. Diane had exited the show in 1991 and Janine was to leave in 96, going to live with her father in Manchester after he and Pat divorced. Ricky was the only member of the family to remain in EastEnders throughout the 90s; eloping with Sam Mitchell in the early part of the decade, and then wedding Bianca Jackson in 97. The following year, Frank made a full-time return and was paired with Peggy Mitchell (Barbara Windsor), moving back into the Vic. In 99, Janine (Charlie Brooks) came to live with him and his new wife in the pub; however during 2000 Owen and Reid decided to quit, with Patsy Palmer, who played Bianca Butcher, having already departed some months earlier. In 2002, Ricky was brought back but barely 12 months after his return, new executive producer Louise Berridge axed the character because of "limited possibilities".[7] It came at the same time as Janine's departure from the show, after killing her husband, Barry Evans. In 2005, Frank returned for a special week of episodes screening during December, but Reid made the public declaration that this would be his last appearance on the show. Three years later executive producer Diedrick Santer decided to bring back the Butcher family, reuniting Ricky, Janine, Diane, and Bianca for Frank's funeral. It marked the full-time resurgence of the clan, with Ricky returning to Walford to be around Bianca, with whom he shares a son, Liam, and Janine following not long after. In 2010, as part of the show's 25th anniversary, Ricky and Bianca were remarried during an episode watched by 10.77 million people.[8]

Carpenter

[edit]

Carter

[edit]

The Carter family is headed by Stan Carter (Timothy West), but the first member of the family introduced was Stan's grandson, Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo) (then known as Deano), brought in by Kate Harwood on 2 January 2006. He was soon joined by his sister, Carly Wicks (Kellie Shirley) and a month later by their stepfather Kevin Wicks (Phil Daniels), though they believe that he is their biological father. Carly's husband Nico Pappas (Gerard Monaco) appeared for a short stint. Shirley Carter (Linda Henry), daughter of Stan, ex-wife of Kevin and mother of Dean and Carly, was introduced in December 2006. In January 2010, Zsa Zsa Carter (Emer Kenny), the niece of Shirley was introduced as a character in the spin-off EastEnders: E20. Her stepfather, Andy, was also seen in E20. An expansion of the Carter family by new producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins introduced Shirley's sister and Zsa Zsa's mother, Tina Carter (Luisa Bradshaw-White), and Shirley's eldest son, Mick Carter (Danny Dyer), though he is initially believed to be her brother. Mick's partner Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), and their children, Lee Carter (Danny-Boy Hatchard), Nancy Carter (Maddy Hill) and Johnny Carter (Sam Strike) also arrived, followed by Stan, Stan's sister-in-law, Babe Smith (Annette Badland) and Stan's estranged wife and Babe's sister Sylvie Carter (Linda Marlowe). Johnny was later recast to Ted Reilly, while Stan and Sylvie were killed off and Nancy, Lee, Babe and Johnny written out, leaving Shirley, Tina, Mick, Linda, and Lee's wife Whitney Carter (Shona McGarty) in the series as of March 2018.

Linda's family
Sylvie's family

Coker

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The Coker family were introduced in 2014 by executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins,[9] although Les Coker (Roger Sloman) had appeared in the serial in 2012.[10] Sloman reprised his role in 2014 when he arranges Nick Cotton's (John Altman) funeral.[9] Les was reintroduced in April with his wife, Pam Coker (Lin Blakley) when they move to Bridge Street to run their funeral parlour business.[9] While they run the funeral parlour together, Pam also operates a flower stall on Bridge Street Market.[9] Sloman and Blakley both enjoyed working together and the latter felt as though she had known Sloman "forever".[9] The couple were introduced as part of Treadwell-Collins' plans to revitalise EastEnders' elder characters.[9] Les and Pam's son and grandson, Laurie Coker and Paul Coker, were referenced in November 2014. Vicky Prior, writing for the Metro, thought it would be a good idea to expand the family, commenting, "they are an interesting couple and it would be great to see them interacting with younger family members."[11] Jonny Labey was later cast as Paul, who was introduced to the soap in June.[12] Treadwell-Collins said that Paul would create problems for Les and Pam.[12]

Labey was written out of the series after a year in the role.[13] Paul is killed off off-screen in July 2016. Labey was surprised when he found out how he would leave the series, but thought his exit was "beautifully written".[14] Following Paul's departure, it was announced that Les and Pam would leave the series.[15] Blakley confirmed that Treadwell-Collins' successor, Sean O'Connor, decided to write the characters out and said that while she was upset about the decision, she accepted it.[16] The characters departed in October 2016,[16] although Pam has since made multiple guest appearances in the soap.[17]

Cotton

[edit]

The Cotton family are one of EastEnders's original families, though were not originally planned for by the show's creators. When devising an outline for EastEnders in 1984, Tony Holland and Julia Smith created twenty-three characters, with the intention that the first episode would begin with the discovery of a murder victim. The series writers were intrigued by the concept, and requested that the storyline be expanded on. Holland and Smith did not believe that any of the twenty-three existing characters were capable of murder, and so devised a twenty-fourth character, Nick Cotton. Actor John Altman was cast in the semi-regular role.[1] Nick's mother Dot (June Brown) was introduced in July 1985, originally intended to remain in the series for just three months.[18] The role was extended, however, and Dot has become one of EastEnders' longest-running characters.[19] In March 1986, Dot's estranged husband and Nick's father Charlie (Christopher Hancock) made his first appearance, in what became a recurring role. Charlie was a small-time villain who would repeatedly return to Dot for money then leave her again, described by Hancock as: "a truly revolting character, a loser".[20] Charlie was killed off in 1991, in a bid by the series writers to "push Dot forward and change her life".[21] Brown was opposed to Charlie's death, and attempted to change the producers' minds, but to no avail.[21]

Dot's relationship with her son has been described by executive producer Diederick Santer as "wonderfully dysfunctional".[22] Altman blames Nick's villainous personality on his father's absence during his childhood. His relationship with his mother is characterized by Dot's perpetual willingness to forgive his history of wrongdoing, repeatedly allowing him to attempt to attain redemption. Santer explained: "There's that thing where you sort of dare to hope that someone’s changed, which is really tragic. They've let you down a hundred times, and yet you still hope that the hundred and first time they’ll have changed."[22] Both Nick and Dot were written out of EastEnders in 1993, moving to Gravesend with Nick's wife Zoe (Elizabeth Chadwick), and their son Ashley (Ryan Devonshire), however in 1997, Brown was persuaded to reprise her role as Dot.[23] Ashley (Frankie Fitzgerald) was killed off in 2000, for which Dot blamed Nick, becoming estranged from her son once more. Brown repeatedly requested that the producers bring Nick back into the soap, as she and Altman had such a good working relationship.[22] Nick returned again in December 2008, accompanied by an eight year old daughter, Dotty (Molly Conlin). Altman explained: "Nick needed something, because I think if he didn’t have little Dotty, for him to walk through that door, she would just have treated him as a complete outcast."[22] Nick departed again soon thereafter, effectively selling custody of his daughter to Dot.[24] Altman described Dotty as "a chip off the old block",[25] with the revelation made that Dotty had been colluding with her father, planning to kill Dot for her life insurance money.[26]

Dot's half-sister Rose Cotton (Polly Perkins) is introduced in 2011, along with her son, Andrew Cotton (Ricky Grover), and it emerges that Rose was married to Charlie (hence taking his surname), at the same time that Charlie was married to Dot, and Andrew is his son.

Another son of Nick, Charlie Cotton (Declan Bennett) is introduced in 2014,[27] for a storyline in which he tells Dot that Nick has died. Nick's ex-wife and Charlie's mother, Yvonne Cotton (Pauline McLynn), is also introduced as a recurring character.[28] However, it is soon revealed that Nick is still alive, and his return was announced in July 2014.[29]

Cross

[edit]

The Cross family is headed by Cora Cross (Ann Mitchell) and includes her daughters, Ava Hartman (Clare Perkins), Tanya Branning (Jo Joyner) and Rainie Cross (Tanya Franks), Ava's son Dexter Hartman (Khali Best) and Tanya's children Lauren Branning (Madeline Duggan/Jacqueline Jossa), Abi Branning (Lorna Fitzgerald) and Oscar Branning (Gabriel Miller-Williams/Charlee Hall/Neo Hall), though Tanya and her children are often more closely associated with the Branning family through Tanya's marriage to Max Branning (Jake Wood). Ava's ex-husband and Dexter's father Sam James (Cornell S John) also appears. Tanya is the first member of the family to arrive with Max and their children. Tanya also has a marriage to Greg Jessop (Stefan Booth). Cora becomes engaged to Stan Carter (Timothy West), but he dies before they can marry.

Joyner joined the cast in 2006 as Tanya Branning, a member of the Branning family.[30] Her children, Lauren and Abi, were also introduced in 2006,[31] and a third child, Oscar, was cast in 2007.[32] Twins Charlee and Neo Hall were later recast into the role.[33] Duggan was axed from the role of Lauren in 2010,[34] and Jossa took over the role.[35] Tanya's sister, Rainie, was introduced in 2007 for two episodes.[36] Franks appeared in two further guest stints, before being reintroduced for Tanya's wedding to Greg in 2011.[37] Mitchell was cast as Cora, the mother of Tanya and Rainie, who arrives for the wedding with Rainie and leaves again.[37] The show's executive producer, Bryan Kirkwood, said that Cora would resemble "many glorious Walford women of the past" as the matriarch of the family.[37]

In May 2011, Kirkwood revealed his plans to establish a Cross family unit on EastEnders. He confirmed that Rainie is a regular character and Cora would be reintroduced as a regular as part of the plans. Kirkwood explained that he wanted to "establish the Cross women".[38] On the decision to build Tanya's family, Joyner commented, "It's a real treat to have some female solidarity around Tanya. It's great for me to work with some women, too".[39] Franks left the series again in December 2011.[40] Perkins was cast as Ava Hartman, the long-lost daughter of Cora, in 2012, and Ava first appears in November. Cora had Ava adopted when she was a baby as her father is black, something which was a "social stigma".[41] Ava's son, Dexter, and former husband, Sam James, were introduced in 2013.[42][43] Joyner departed the series in 2013 after seven years on the soap.[44] Perkins and James were written out of the series by executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins in late 2013.[45]

Rainie returned in June 2014 as part of the "Who Killed Lucy Beale?" storyline, but later departed.[46] As part of the plot, Franks appeared in a February 2015 flashback episode during the show's 30th anniversary week.[47] Joyner also reprised her role for the anniversary week.[48] In November 2014, it was announced that Best had been written out of the series,[49] and Dexter departed in January 2015.[50] Cora departed the show in December 2015 and although it was reported to be a year-long break for Mitchell, the actress did not return after a year.[51] Following this, Lauren and Abi (primarily members of the Branning family) were the only Cross family members left on the show.[52] Mitchell later reprised the role in 2017.[52] The actress has continued to make guest appearances since.[53][54][55] Fitzgerald and Jossa were written out of the series in 2018 by the show's executive consultant, John Yorke.[56] Following a fall from The Queen Victoria pub's roof, Abi was killed off,[57] while Lauren departs after her funeral.[58] Joyner reprised the role for Abi and Lauren's exit.[58][59] Franks also appeared as Rainie for the departures of Lauren and Abi, before returning and joining the regular cast.[60] When Rainie returns, she is connected to the Branning family through a marriage to Max.[61]

di Marco

[edit]

The di Marco family were introduced in January 1998 by series producer Jane Harris,[62] as rivals for the Mitchells.[63] The family consisted of matriarch Rosa (Louise Jameson) and her children: Beppe (Michael Greco), Gianni (Marc Bannerman), Teresa (Leila Birch) and Nicky (Carly Hillman), and Beppe's young son Joe (Jake Kyprianou), together with their grandparents Bruno (Leon Lissek) and Luisa (Stella Tanner). The di Marcos came to Walford in January, having a business connection with established resident George Palmer (Paul Moriarty), and set up the Italian restaurant 'Giuseppe's'. However six months after their introduction the new executive producer Matthew Robinson axed Luisa and Bruno as part of a wider shake-up intended to halt the show's plummeting ratings.[64]

Thereafter, storylines tended to focus around the romantic entanglements of the two brothers, and their clashes with Phil (Steve McFadden) and Grant (Ross Kemp) Mitchell. After becoming involved with Grant’s abused wife, Tiffany (Martine McCutcheon), Beppe convinced her to press charges against her husband. When she unexpectedly died, Beppe withheld evidence that exonerated Grant of the incident around which the police were basing their case. Beppe was fired from the police force and went to work with Steve Owen (Martin Kemp). Another prominent narrative for the di Marco family concerned the relationship between Nicky and her math tutor Rod Morris (Forbes Masson). Initially attracted to her older teacher, Nicky got cold feet when her feelings were reciprocated and Morris responded by forcing himself upon her. When she told her family, Gianni physically assaulted Morris, who then pressed charges. However, these were dropped when Morris urged Nicky to tell her family that their relationship had commenced in a consensual manner, confessing that she had not revealed the truth because she feared her family would not believe her regarding the assault. The elder sister, Teresa, was also drawn into a high-profile storyline, concerning the murder of Saskia Duncan. After learning that her boyfriend, Tony Hills, was gay, she started up a relationship with Mathew Rose – who became the chief suspect for the murder of Saskia. Knowing him to be innocent, the two went on the run, but were found and he was sent to prison. Teresa campaigned for his freedom, but when he was released she became scared of his intense hatred for Steve Owen – the actual murderer of Saskia, and they broke up.

In 2000 the newly appointed executive producer, John Yorke, axed the di Marco family as "part of plans to revamp the series and give it a new look".[65] The move also paved the way for the introduction of the Slater family later in the year.[66] All the di Marcos, save Beppe and his son, exited EastEnders during August, just after Beppe's estranged wife Sandra di Marco turned up to reclaim her son. She had struck up a relationship with Beppe's friend Jack, a police officer, which Beppe took advantage of by planting drugs on Jack and forcing Sandra to agree to minimal visiting rights. In 2002, Beppe became the owner of the E20 club after buying it out from Steve Owen, and began a relationship with Lynne Slater (Elaine Lordan). However, the new executive producer Louise Berridge decided to axe Beppe when she took over in April, and the last di Marco left Walford in June, selling the club to the recently returned Sharon Watts.

The di Marco family was widely regarded as a failure for EastEnders, with the show's official 20th anniversary book publication, recounting: "Nobody really knew what to do with the di Marco family, who had been languishing in the pizza restaurant without a decent storyline between them. Finally, there was nothing else for it: the di Marcos would have to go. All of them... it was as if they'd never been".[2] The family was similarly dismissed by Mathew Baylis of The Guardian, who felt them to be "unconvincing characters" marked by a fatal flaw: "Confined to their restaurant, the di Marcos could only become involved in Walford life when other characters came over to eat a carbonara. And how often do working-class East End people do that? If any di Marco wanted a night out, a pint in the Vic, a clandestine liaison, then an excuse had to be found as to why they weren't working. Transforming Giuseppe's into a daytime sandwich bar, and sending Teresa onto the market were bold rescue attempts, but they came too late. The viewers had already decided they didn't much care…Because of their jobs, the di Marcos became a largely self-contained unit".[67]

Evans

[edit]

Ferreira

[edit]
Main article: Ferreira family

The Ferreira family joined the show in 2003, introduced as the first Asian family in EastEnders since the Kapoors, and the first large family since the Slaters.[68] The family were the creation of writer Tony Jordan,[69] and Bollywood star Dalip Tahil was cast by the show's executive producer, Louise Berridge, to play Daniel "Dan" Ferreira, the patriarch of the family. The family, from Goa in India, also consisted of Dan's three sons, Rohan "Ronnie" (played by Ray Panthaki), Ashwani "Ash" (Raji James) and Aditya "Adi" (Ameet Chana), and daughter Kareena (Pooja Shah). Ronnie's friend Tariq Larousi, played by Nabil Elouahabi, also joined the show at the same time.[68] Indian chef Madhur Jaffrey was later cast as Dan's estranged wife, Pushpa.[70] Producers hoped the family would become central to the show,[68] but after Tahil was forced to leave due to a controversy over his work permit,[71] a major plot involving the family had to be scrapped and was replaced with a kidney transplant storyline that was branded "boring".[72] The characters were also called "unrealistic", "annoying", and "unlikeable" by many of the show's fans and critics.[72][73] They were blamed for a decline in the show's viewing figures and were eventually axed by Kathleen Hutchison after bosses struggled to find storylines for the family.[74]

Flaherty

[edit]
Main article: EastEnders episodes in Ireland
See also: Beale family

The Flaherty family were an extension to the Beales, introduced in 1997 during a week of episodes set in Ireland and filmed on location in Dublin. Storylines showed the character Pauline Fowler (Wendy Richard) discover that she had a long-lost sister, Maggie Flaherty (Olivia Shanley). In the storyline, Pauline's deceased mother Lou (Anna Wing) had given Maggie up for adoption shortly after her birth, as she was born out of wedlock. Maggie was said to be the result of an illicit affair Lou had with an Irishman 60 years previously, but although Maggie was initially thought to be Pauline’s half sister, it later transpired that they shared the same father too; she was only the result of pre-marital sex between Lou and her husband-to-be, Albert Beale. Pauline, along with various members of her family, travelled to Ireland to meet their long-lost relatives, including Maggie, her husband Sean (Pat Laffin), two of their children Conor (Seán Gleeson) and Eamonn (Maurice O'Donoghue), Conor's daughter Mary (Melanie Clark Pullen), Eamonn's wife Brenda (Janet Behan) and two of their children Collette (Shiona Redmond) and Eamonn Jr. The episodes were badly received by viewers and heavily criticised in the media. The BBC was inundated with complaints from angry viewers from Ireland for negative stereotyping, portraying Irish people as "dirty, rude, and drunk".[75] Complaints were made by the Irish Embassy and there were fears that the episodes would have a negative effect on the Irish tourist trade. The BBC was forced to issue an apology for causing offence.[19] Following the episodes in Ireland, Conor and Mary moved to the soap's regular setting of Albert Square and remained on screen until 1999. Conor had an affair with his cousin Mark Fowler's (Todd Carty) wife Ruth (Caroline Paterson), and after she became pregnant by Conor, they decided to move to Scotland with Mary.

Fowler

[edit]
Main article: Beale family

The Fowler family were one of the original families introduced to viewers when EastEnders began in 1985. They are connected to the Beales through matriarch Lou Beale (Anna Wing), whose daughter Pauline Fowler (Wendy Richard) married Arthur Fowler (Bill Treacher). Their children were teenagers Mark Fowler and Michelle Fowler (Susan Tully), but in the first episode of the show to air it was revealed that Pauline was pregnant, and she gave birth to their third child, Martin Fowler. At the end of 1985 Mark was hastily written out, as actor David Scarboro was proving problematic in the role, returning for a few episodes over the next two years before his death in 1988.[1] The absence of Mark increased the prominence of his sister, Michelle, who was the focus of the show's first high profile storyline which centred on her pregnancy and the identity of the unknown father.[5] In October 1985 the father was revealed as Den Watts, and Vicki was born seven months later. The arrival of the infant Fowler was followed by the departure of Lou in 1988, after Wing asked to be written out, having become disillusioned with the direction of EastEnders. The decision devastated show creator Julia Smith, who saw the character of Lou as a central element underpinning the community spirit of the fictional borough of Walford.[76] After her death, Pauline increasingly took on the role vacated by her mother, becoming head of the family when her brother Pete Beale died in 1993.

In 1990 Mark Fowler (Todd Carty) was recast and the character returned to Walford, having contracted the HIV virus. This was the first time a mainstream soap character had been given the disease on British television, and it became a continuous issue of the show for the next 14 years, with Mark's first marriage, to Gill Robinson marked by her death the following day from AIDS.[5] In 1995 Susan Tully decided to quit EastEnders, and Michelle left for America, following her best friend Sharon Watts, after being wounded in a siege involving the Mitchell brothers and having a one-night stand with Grant. A baby, Mark Jr, was born off-screen, though Michelle never told anyone the identity of the child's father except his namesake, Mark. That year also saw mark's second marriage, with Ruth Fowler becoming a prominent member of the cast for the next several years. In 1996 Bill Treacher informed producers that he wanted to leave the show. Arthur was given a storyline in which he was framed for embezzlement and sent to prison, horrifying viewers who began a 'Free Athur Fowler' campaign. Pauline took up her husband's cause, but shortly after being cleared he suffered a brain haemorrhage and died. The marriage between Mark and Ruth was also increasingly strained by her desire for children, which fostering only inflamed rather than quenched. In 1998 the two separated, leading to an affair between Ruth and Mark's cousin, Conor Flaherty; she fell pregnant and in 1999 departed Walford to raise her child in Scotland.

The following year Martin (James Alexandrou) had a one-night stand with Sonia Jackson (Natalie Cassidy), resulting in the birth of their daughter, Rebecca. However, as they were both teenagers, the baby was given up for adoption - against the wishes of Pauline. In 2001, Mark began a relationship with Lisa Shaw and the two decided to get married in the hope of preventing Phil Mitchell from discovering the child she carried was his. Mark agreed to raise Louise as his, with Pauline supporting him in the endeavour. However, new executive producer, Louise Berridge had decided to axe Mark and Lisa,[77] with Phil eventually discovering the truth, forcing Lisa to flee with Louise to Portugal. Mark meanwhile, began to develop the AIDS virus in 2003, and wanting to spare his family the agony of watching him die, left for an unknown hostel. News of his death reached Walford in April 2004. That year Martin and Sonia elop, returning to the Square as husband and wife. However, relations deteriorate when Sonia discovers that Martin has been secretly seeing their daughter at the behest of his mother. Pauline's interference is a source of further friction, and leads to Sonia having an affair with Naomi Julien. In 2006, the character of Pauline, who had been single since Arthur's death a decade ago, married Joe Macer (Ray Brooks). Richard felt that producer Kate Harwood was not being true to the character by having her remarry,[78] leading her to surprise viewers with the announcement that she was leaving the serial.[79] Shortly after, Cassidy and Alexandrou, who were also not happy with the treatment of their characters, declared they were also departing.[80] Pauline, who had been in the show since the first episode, was killed off on Christmas Day, 2006. Sonia was initially suspected of the crime, but was found innocent when Pauline's husband, Joe, confessed. However, the event brings Sonia and Martin back together, and with their daughter, the last of the Fowlers leave in Walford depart on 2 February 2007.

The family were reintroduced in 2014 by executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins, beginning with Sonia and Rebecca's returns in January.[81] The role of Rebecca was recast to Jasmine Armfield with a statement from the show describing Rebecca as a "bright child who is passionate about music" and "wants to do well in life and make her parents proud".[82] In October 2014, it was announced that Martin would be reintroduced to the series. Alexandrou rejected the opportunity to reprise the role and gave his blessing for the role to be recast.[83] Treadwell-Collins noted that it was important to receive Alexandrou's blessing and explained that he chose to reintroduce the character as part of the soap's thirtieth anniversary celebrations.[83] The role of Martin was recast to James Bye after a lengthy audition process; Treadwell-Collins dubbed the actor "talented" and "a genuine relatable London bloke".[83] The family's primary story upon Martin's return focuses on the couple's marriage.[83]

Fox/Johnson/Hubbard

[edit]

The Fox family were introduced in 2006 by executive producer Kate Harwood. Described as "the feisty Fox family", the all female Foxes were made up of Denise Fox (Diane Parish) and her daughters Chelsea Fox (Tiana Benjamin) and Libby Fox (Belinda Owusu). They were said to be a "force to be reckoned with".[84] Benjamin and Parish met at an audition workshop and Owusu was cast at a later date. They first appeared on-screen in May 2006. Denise's ex-husband and Libby's father Owen Turner (Lee Ross) was soon announced to be joining the cast,[85] for a storyline in which he attempts to murder Libby, ending with him being sent to prison. Parish made a temporary exit from the show in 2008 for maternity leave,[86] and not long after this, the Johnson family were cast with the introduction of Chelsea's father Lucas Johnson (Don Gilet)[87] and his son Jordan Johnson (Michael-Joel David Stuart). Denise and Lucas eventually reunited and in 2009, Sharon Duncan-Brewster joined the cast as Lucas's estranged wife, Trina Johnson, who meddled in Lucas and Denise's relationship.[88] Trina was killed off attempting to seduce Lucas, who did nothing to stop her from dying after her neck became impaled on a rake.[89] Upon Owen's release from prison, he came close to discovering Lucas's secret, so Lucas murdered him on the morning of his wedding to Denise, burying him under a tree planted in Albert Square in Trina's memory.[90] In February 2009, members of the family featured as part of EastEnders' first episode acted by an all-black cast, which received focus in the British media. A spokesperson for the BBC said "the Foxes are an integral part of Albert Square and this is no different to other episodes where we've concentrated on one particular family or storyline in the past."[91]

Denise's sister, Kim Fox (Tameka Empson), and her boyfriend, Dexter Mulholland (Robbie Gee), were introduced for a few episodes in November 2009.[92] Executive producer Bryan Kirkwood liked Kim and reintroduced the character as a regular in 2010.[93] Daphne Fox (Emi Wokoma), the sister of Denise and Kim, appeared in July 2010.[94] Most of the family unit were written out of the series in 2010 with the exits of Lucas,[95] Chelsea,[96] Libby,[97] and Jordan.[98] Gloria MacDonald (Michele Austin), the sister of Lucas, appeared in December 2010 to aid the departure of Jordan.[99] Empson took maternity leave in 2013 and Kim temporarily left the soap,[100] returning in December 2014.[101] The Fox family were expanded in 2015 with the creation of the Hubbard family. The family were first introduced when Richard Blackwood joined the cast in 2015 as Vincent Hubbard, a new villain for the soap.[102] Vincent is confirmed to be Kim's estranged husband, with their daughter Pearl Fox-Hubbard (Arayah) also introduced.[103] On 1 March 2015, it was announced that Ellen Thomas had been cast in the role of Claudette, a "new steely matriarch" with connections to other characters.[104] Upon her arrival, it emerged that she is the foster mother of established character Donna Yates (Lisa Hammond).[105] Thomas explained that Claudette's other foster children could be introduced to the series.[105] Claudette was later confirmed as Vincent's mother, fully establishing the Hubbard family.[106]

Between May 2014 and January 2017, Owusu reprised her role as Libby on multiple occasions, making several guest appearances in the soap.[107] Gilet reprised his role as Lucas in January 2016 in a one-off appearance,[108] and days later, it was confirmed that Lucas and Jordan would return, although the role of Jordan was recast to Joivan Wade.[109] Jordan was reintroduced with a son, JJ Johnson (Zayden Kareem).[110] Gilet and Wade appeared until March when their storyline ended.[111] Leon Lopez appeared in 2016 as Claudette's foster son, Linford Short.[112] The family were placed at the centre of a week of special episodes in March 2016. A show spokesperson said that the episode would "[change] the Hubbard family forever."[113] During the episodes, Claudette is shown to have died, but it soon emerges that she is alive.[114] The twist was met with disbelief; critic Carl Greenwood (Daily Mirror) branding the character "Albert Square's own Rasputin".[115] Thomas was written out of the series in September 2016.[116] A new storyline for Denise began in 2016 when she became pregnant after a one-night stand with Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden).[117] The story sees Denise choose to have the baby adopted out.[118] The baby, Raymond, appears in January 2017.[119] Doña Croll was cast as Emerald Fox, the mother of Denise, Kim and Daphne, and appears in multiple episodes between January and February 2017.[120] Emerald claims that Denise is not her real daughter,[121] but Denise and Kim take a DNA test in 2018 confirms that they are sisters and Denise was not adopted.[122] Later that year, Vincent and Donna left the series, reestablishing the Fox family as their own family unit.[123][124]

Fox family
Johnson family
Hubbard family

Harris

[edit]

Though not technically a family unit, Pat Butcher (Pam St. Clement), whose maiden name is Harris, has an extensive family tree with four marriages, and is linked to the Slaters through her brother's marriage to Mo Harris (Laila Morse).

Mo's family

Healy

[edit]

Highway

[edit]

The Highway family were introduced in 2018 as childhood friends of the Carter family.[125] The first member of the family, Callum "Halfway" Highway (Tony Clay), first appears in January for an extended guest stint. After leaving in February, Clay was invited to join the regular cast and Halfway returned in April.[125] Halfway's brother, Stuart Highway (Ricky Champ), was introduced following Halfway's reintroduction.[126] Faye Daveney was cast as Stuart's daughter, Zara Highway, as part of a storyline which sees Stuart get shot.[127]

Hills

[edit]

Jackson

[edit]

The Jackson family is a branch of the Branning family, consisting of Carol Jackson (Lindsey Coulson), who married Alan Jackson (Howard Antony), and her children, plus Alan's extended family.

Carol's family

Jeffery

[edit]

The Jeffery family were one of EastEnders' original families, initially consisting of husband and wife Saeed (Andrew Johnson) and Naima (Shreela Ghosh). They were among the first twenty-three EastEnders characters created by Tony Holland and Julia Smith, and were the first Asian characters to appear in the soap. Black and Asian characters were two ethnic minorities that had previously been under-represented in British soap operas before EastEnders aired. Holland and Smith knew that for the soap to succeed there needed to be a varied group of characters, so that several different sections of the audience had someone to identify with. Additionally, if the programme was to be realistic, it had to reflect the cross-section of society that actually existed in London's East End. The Jefferys were cousins, wed through an arranged marriage. Saeed was named after one of Holland's Bengali friends. Holland had attended his friend's own arranged marriage, and he thought the notion of an arranged marriage, particularly an unhappy one, would be an interesting and informative topic to tackle in the soap.[1]

Holland and Smith had a lot of trouble casting the role of Naima, as barely any Muslim women responded to their advertisement, and those who did were all unsuitable. Ghosh, a non-Muslim Indian actress of Bengali ethnicity, was a late arrival. She was a comparatively inexperienced actor, but she was the right age, looked right and she also liked what the programme was trying to do with a young Asian couple. She was subsequently cast in the role.[1] Johnson auditioned for the part of Saeed. At the interview he was heated on the subject of the "image" of Asians on television, which began to make Holland and Smith apprehensive about casting him. They feared that he may only want his race depicted in a certain way, only sympathetically or with dignity. Despite their initial worries, it was decided that Johnson's similarities with the character would be advantageous and he was cast in the role.[1]

Within months, Holland and Smith's initial fears regarding Johnson's apprehension to play the character in anything but a dignified way, came to fruition. Problems arose between Johnson and the script-writers when they attempted to involve Saeed in unsavoury storylines, such as his tendency to visit prostitutes and make obscene phone calls to a female resident on the Square. Johnson was somewhat disturbed at the prospect of his character displaying simple human weaknesses, and so the decision was made to write the character out. On-screen Saeed and Naima's marriage collapsed, they eventually split up, and Saeed returned to India. Saeed became the first original character to make a permanent exit from the show, departing in December 1985.[1] Johnson spoke out about the "contentious storylines" his character was involved with at the time, commenting, "I felt the scripts could damage race relations. Most people know nothing about Asians. Too many think they're greasy, horrible people who take jobs that Brits should have."[128] Following her husband's departure, Naima remained in the serial for two years, during which time her cousins Rezaul Kabir (Tanveer Ghani) and Farrukh (Sumar Khan) were also introduced. She eventually married Farrukh, returning with him to her native Bangladesh in November 1987.[5]

Kapoor

[edit]

The Kapoor family were introduced into EastEnders in 1993, and remained with the serial for the next 5 years. The family consisted of Sanjay (Deepak Verma) and his wife Gita (Shobu Kapoor), with their daughter Sharmilla being born a month after their arrival in the Square. The two were market traders, and set up a clothing stall on Bridge street,[129] which has remained in the show ever since (and is currently run by the Slaters). The family was joined by Gita's sister, Meena McKenzie (Sudha Buchar), who had ostensibly come to help her sister with the infant. However, she had in fact separated from her husband, and began a clandestine affair with Sanjay when Gita left Walford to visit relatives. She returned unexpectedly early and discovered her sister and husband in bed together. Enraged, she threw the pair out of the flat and refused Sanjay access to the stall. However, when Sanjay began to official press for visitations with his daughter, Gita took Sharmilla and left Walford. When she returned a few months later, Sanjay hoped for a reconciliation; but although Gita allowed him to see Sharmilla, she could not forgive his infidelity. Late in 1994, Gita became the target of racist attacks and in fear turned to Sanjay; the two slept together, but Gita still refused to get back together. In 95, Sanjay returned to India to take care of his dying grandfather. In his absence, Gita became close with business associate Guppy Sharma, however nothing came of the relationship as it was revealed that Guppy was Meena's fiancé.

When Sanjay returned, Gita decided to give their marriage another try, but insisted they have a second child. However, the two had difficulty conceiving and problems increased when Sanjay's mother Neelam Kapoor (Jamila Massey), came to live with them in 1997. Neelam's interference became too much for Gita, and at the end of the year she took Sharmilla on an extended visit to relatives. Off-screen, Shobnu had undertaken maternity leave and had to be written out of the show. Her extended absence was presented as a disappearance, when Gita failed to return to Walford as scheduled. However, the new executive producer Matthew Robinson decided to axe the Kapoors as part of a shake-up to restore ratings against the "new look" Coronation Street.[130][131] In July 1998, Gita was finally found in a hospital, giving birth to a baby boy. Gita revealed that she had had a one-night stand and had been too ashamed to return to Sanjay. Although upset, Sanjay forgave his wife against his mother's wishes, and Gita returned to Walford. However, the events were uncovered by a reporter for the local newspaper and published on the front page. Unable to deal with the humiliation, the Kapoors packed up and left the square in October.

Karim

[edit]
Main article: Karim family

The Muslim Karim family were introduced as the owners of the soap's grocery store, the First til Last, following the departure of the character Naima Jeffery (Shreela Ghosh) in 1987, who had been shown to run the business since EastEnders' inception in February 1985.[5] The family included father Ashraf (Aftab Sachak), his wife Sufia and their two teenage children, eldest daughter Shireen (Nisha Kapur) and son Sohail (Ronnie Jhutti). The head of the family, Ashraf was scripted as the second cousin of original character Saeed Jeffery (Andrew Johnson), who departed the serial in December 1985.[5] Collectively, the family were introduced by producer Mike Gibbon early in 1988. In 1990, they were among many to be axed by executive producer Michael Ferguson.[5]

Kazemi

[edit]

The introduction of the Kazemi family began in 2014 with the casting of Davood Ghadami as market trader Kush Kazemi. Kush is billed as a "good guy who is funny and full of energy" and the friend of established character Martin Fowler (James Bye).[132] Producers created a family for Kush in 2015 with the introduction of his mother, Carmel Kazemi. The role of Carmel was cast to former Doctor Who star, Bonnie Langford.[133] The character is billed as "overly protective and with a tendency to embarrass her children", while Treadwell-Collins described her as "a thoroughly modern Essex divorcée who isn't quite ready to cut the apron strings firmly attached to her son Kush."[133] Having initially been introduced as a guest character, Langford was then handed a regular contract.[134]

Writers developed a connection between Kush and Shabnam Masood (Rakhee Thakrar) and Thakrar explained that "there is something about [Kush] that [Shabnam] is really drawn to".[135] Kush and Shabnam later marry as he discovers that Stacey Branning (Lacey Turner) is pregnant with his child.[136] The family were placed at the centre of a story exploring stillbirth when Kush and Shabnam's unborn baby dies.[137] EastEnders worked with the stillbirth charity Sands, and specifically charity advisor Erica Stewart, when creating and developing the story. Ghadami and Thakrar worked closely with Sands, which Stewart appreciated.[138] The story played out in August 2015 as Shabnam gives birth to their son, Zaair Kazemi.[139] Four months later, Stacey gives birth to Kush's son, Arthur Fowler.[140]

In April 2016, it was announced that Shaheen Jafargholi had been cast in the role of Shakil Kazemi and the character's arrival would involve the family in "a new big storyline".[141] Langford revealed that she and Ghadami were "immediately protective" of Jafargholi as he "fitted in straight away".[142] She also expressed an interest in introducing Carmel's final son, Darius Kazemi, who she explained works in Dubai as an accountant.[142] Shakil becomes the focus of storylines with other teenage characters, including Keegan Baker (Zack Morris) and Bex Fowler (Jasmine Armfield).[143]

The family were featured in a new story in 2018 when Shakil and Keegan are involved in a knife crime-related attack.[144] EastEnders worked with the Ben Kinsella Trust and its founder, Brooke Kinsella, who starred in the soap for three years.[144] The story explores "the ramifications of knife crime for the two friends, their families and the community, with the Taylors and Kazemis set to be at the heart of the drama".[144] The story leads to Shakil's death and Jafargholi commented that he felt "privileged and proud" to portray the plot.[145] He believed that his character's death was vital for the story to be realistic as it could demonstrate how the lives of "people who are left with the consequences".[145] In the aftermath of Shakil's death, his and Kush's father and brother - Umar Kazemi (Selva Rasalingam) and Darius (Ash Rizi) - were introduced for a guest stint in May 2018.[146] The storyline concluded with the departure of Langford as Carmel. The actress was made aware of her exit from the soap when she was informed about the knife crime story.[147]

Kelly/Maguire

[edit]

This family is introduced in 2017 when Aidan Maguire, a former prison cellmate of Phil Mitchell's, arrives in Walford to arrange a heist. It emerges that he is stealing money and jewellery from his former wife, Ciara Maguire. Ciara sends Mel Owen, her sister-in-law, to Walford to track down the stolen money. Later in 2018, Mel's former husband and Ciara's brother, Ray Kelly, arrives and he and Mel become engaged again. Mel discovers that Ray is married to Maddie Wright, who knows him as Simon Wright, and they have a son, Jake Wright. It later emerges that Ray is also married to Nicola Kelly at the same time and has a daughter, Jodie Kelly.

Marwa

[edit]

Masood/Ahmed

[edit]

The Masood family were introduced in 2007 as part of executive producer Diederick Santer's plans to diversify and make EastEnders feel more "21st century".[148] The Masoods, comprising matriarch Zainab Masood (Nina Wadia), her husband Masood Ahmed (Nitin Ganatra) and their children Shabnam (Zahra Ahmadi) and Tamwar (Himesh Patel), were the first Muslim family to join the show since the Karim family, who appeared between 1987 and 1990, and they were the first Asian family to be introduced since the unsuccessful Ferreira family in 2003.[149] Ahmadi quit the show in 2008, upset with the way her character was being treated, barely featuring in any scripts.[150] On screen, Shabnam returned to Pakistan to discover her roots. The family were joined by eldest son Syed (Marc Elliott) and his girlfriend Amira Shah (Preeya Kalidas) in 2009, and youngest son Kamil, who was born on screen in 2010. Elliott was cast after a successful reading with Ganatra and Wadia.[151]

Syed went on to feature in a storyline that saw him torn between his faith and his sexuality, when he began an affair with Christian Clarke (John Partridge).[152] The storyline was criticised by Asghar Bokhari of the Muslim Public Affairs Committee, who said "The Muslim community deserves a character that represents them to the wider public because Islamophobia is so great right now. [...] I think EastEnders really lost an opportunity to present a normal friendly Muslim character to the British public." Yusuf Wehebi from LGBT Muslim advocacy group Imaan said: "It is high time that the invisible minority became a visible minority. It is entirely possible to be Muslim and gay and there [are] many of us in Britain today. It is great that the BBC have had the courage to raise such an important social issue in our society today."[153]

Syed departed from EastEnders in November 2012, and Zainab left the series in February 2013.

The part of Shabnam was recast to Rakhee Thakrar, and she returned to screens in January 2014.[154] It is revealed that Shabnam left after discovering she was pregnant by Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo) but had the daughter fostered out. The child, Jade Green, was introduced to the series, played by Amaya Edward. Shabnam has a relationship with Kush Kazemi (Davood Ghadami) and they have a stillborn son, Zaair.[155] Shabnam and Kush marry, but she discovers he has fathered a son with Stacey Branning (Lacey Turner), which eventually leads to her making him recite the triple talaq to end their marriage and she leaves with Jade.

In 2009, the family as a whole was criticised by actor Deepak Verma, who played Sanjay Kapoor between 1993 and 1998, who said that EastEnders had failed to portray Asian families in a realistic manner, branding the family "two-dimensional and ill-conceived".[156] Ganatra praised the show for giving the family a "typical family quality" so that viewers could easily relate to them.[157]

Miller

[edit]

The Miller family were introduced to EastEnders in 2004, although Mickey Miller (Joe Swash) had been present in the soap since April 2003. Swash originally auditioned for the role of Spencer Moon, and though the part was ultimately won by Christopher Parker, EastEnders producers saw potential in Swash and offered him the role of Spencer's friend Mickey.[158] Though created as a guest character, only intended to appear in six episodes, Mickey proved popular with viewers and was promoted to a series regular by then-executive producer Louise Berridge. Swash commented that he was pleased to have established his character on his own merit, rather than having been introduced as part of a family.[158]

In April 2004, it was announced that Mickey's family would be introduced to the series.[159] The casting team held workshops, screen tests and script readings with potential actors. Shana Swash, Swash's real-life sister, was cast as Mickey's younger half-sister Demi.[160] Completing the core family were David Spinx as Mickey's stepfather Keith, Gerry Cowper as his mother Rosie, and Charlie G. Hawkins as Demi's twin brother Darren. Tyson, an Irish Wolfhound, played the family dog Ghengis,[161] and Huggy Leaver appeared on a recurring basis as Rosie's brother Clint.[160] The family were publicised as "troublemakers" who were joining "in order to drum up conflict with existing characters." The family's introduction in September 2004 followed a survey in The Mirror which suggested that 57% of EastEnders viewers thought the soap had lost its appeal.[162]

In 2005, EastEnders went on to introduce Mickey's elder sister Dawn Swann (Kara Tointon),[163] and his estranged father Mike (Mark Wingett).[164] The family continued to expand, growing to encompass Demi's daughter Aleesha (Freya and Phoebe Coltman-West) and Dawn's daughter Summer (played by various infants, including Swash's son Harry).[165] Demi and Rosie were written out of the serial in 2006,[166] followed by Mickey and Keith in 2008, when it was felt their characters had "run out of steam".[167] A planned storyline involving Mickey, Dawn and their father had previously had to be cut when Swash contracted meningoencephalitis.[168] Dawn was also written out of the series in 2009, leaving with Summer and her partner Garry Hobbs (Ricky Groves).[169] Following Dawn's departure, Darren was the only remaining member of the Miller family in EastEnders, though in October 2009 it was revealed that he had fathered a son, George, with Heather Trott (Cheryl Ferguson).[170] Darren has a relationship with Jodie Gold (Kylie Babbington), which ends when he cancels their engagement on the day of their wedding and he leaves. George is left in Walford with Heather, but after she is killed, George departs to live with Darren, but he makes a one-off return in 2014.

Miller family
Swann family

Mitchell

[edit]
Main article: Mitchell family

Peggy Mitchell's sister, Sal, occasionally appears but is not related by blood to the main Mitchell family.

Monroe

[edit]

Moon

[edit]

Murray

[edit]

Osman

[edit]

The Osman family were part of the show's original line-up when it began in 1985. The Osmans were devised by EastEnders creators Julia Smith and Tony Holland to represent the realities of inter-cultural relationships, with Turkish-Cypriot Ali (Nejdet Salih) married to the Anglo-Celtic Sue, played by feminist actress Sandy Ratcliff.[1] The Osmans became the centre of attention shortly after the show aired, when their baby died of cot death. At the time, the issue was extremely sensitive and had recently been the focus of media interest. The storyline has the distinction of being the first of the show's many controversial plots.[5] At this time, Ali's brother Mehmet Osman (Haluk Bilginer) was introduced, along with his wife Guizin (Ishia Bennison) and their three children, Rayif, Murat, and Emine. The extension of the Osmans was part of an attempt by Smith and Holland to reflect the large immigrant Turkish-Cypriot community resident in London.[1] Mehmet soon earned a bad reputation on the Square, acting as Pat Wicks' pimp and conning Kathy Beale out of her business profits, then losing his house and business in a bet, before disappearing and leaving his wife to face the consequences. He soon returned, begging his long-suffering wife to take him back.

In 1988, Sue gave birth to her second son, "Little" Ali, but became consumed with worry over his health and safety, neglecting her husband. Ali in turn sought solace in Donna Ludlow, who revealed the affair to his furious wife. She sought revenge on Ali by trying to seduce his brother. However, following the departure of Smith and Holland from the show, the Osmans were written out as part of wider changes initiated by the new production team in an attempt "to find a new direction."[5] When Ali saw his wife flirting with Mehmet, he reported the incident to Guizin, who, fed up with his womanising, took their children and left for Cyprus. Learning this, Mehmet followed, hoping to explain that nothing had happened with Sue and be reconciled with his family. When Ali confronted Sue they had an enormous fight, and she disappeared with his son. It was part of a storyline that was intended to remove the character of Sue, after off-screen problems with Ratcliff.[171] When Ali finally found Sue, she had become mentally unstable and he had her sectioned. Ali returned to Walford with his son, but soon found himself jobless and homeless and unable to care for his son - whose welfare became a source of concern for social worker Carmel Jackson. Ali took his son and returned to Northern Cyprus, departing on 10 October 1989.

Owen

[edit]

Panesar

[edit]

The Panesar family were introduced in October 2019 as a set of three brothers: Kheerat Panesar (Jaz Deol), Jags Panesar (Amar Adatia) and Vinny Panesar (Shiv Jalota).[172] The family are British Asian and of Punjabi Sikh heritage, making the family the first Punjabi family in EastEnders.[172][173] They are billed as "charming by nature – but a force to be reckoned with".[172] Kheerat is the eldest brother and a successful businessman; Jags struggles in Kheerat's shadow and regularly lets his family down; and youngest brother Vinny is considered "the golden boy of the family".[172] Deol thought the family would represent an accurate version of modern Britain, while Jalota commented, "To be part of that next generation of people representing my identity is a blessing."[172] Jon Sen, the show's executive producer, dubbed the characters "three very different brothers" who will arrive in Walford with "their own unique blend of charm and chaos".[172] He also expressed his excitement at introducing the "vibrant" family.[172]

Following the brothers' introduction, it was revealed that established character Ash Kaur (Gurlaine Kaur Garcha) is the younger sister of the Panesar brothers.[173] Kaur Garcha was pleased that her character was part of a Punjabi family because she felt there is a lack of representation for Punjabi families on television.[173] She added, "The Panesars are exactly what a normal Punjabi family is like!"[173] Ash was introduced weeks previously as the girlfriend of Iqra Ahmed (Priya Davdra), but does not introduce her family because she believes they will not approve of Iqra.[173] Ash has been estranged from the family after having an abortion at a young age. Kaur Garcha explained that to Ash, "when her brothers are involved, all her independence goes".[173][174] Balvinder Sopal's casting as family matriarch Suki Panesar was announced in December 2019.[175] Sen thought that the Panesar children were "under the shadow of an overbearing matriarch".[175] Prior to her introduction, it was revealed that Suki is terminally ill and wants to reunite with Ash.[174] The family's stories then follow this and explore the secrets within the family.[175]

Papadopolous

[edit]

Raymond

[edit]

Rose

[edit]

Slater

[edit]
Main article: Slater family (EastEnders)

The Slater family were introduced to EastEnders in 2000, with a central family unit consisting of father Charlie Slater (Derek Martin), grandmother Mo Harris (Laila Morse), Charlie's daughters, Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace), Lynne Slater (Elaine Lordan), Little Mo Morgan (Kacey Ainsworth) and Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan), and Lynne's partner Garry Hobbs (Ricky Groves). A fifth Slater sister, Belinda Peacock (Leanne Lakey), was introduced as a recurring character in 2001. The family were the eighth to be introduced in the soap's history, replacing the di Marco family who departed during August 2000. Executive producer John Yorke hoped that the introduction of the family would return EastEnders to its familial roots, describing them as "the classic EastEnders family which is all about surviving and fighting back all the time." Mal Young, the BBC's then-head of drama series, said the family were introduced as the serial had a deficit of "solid families", expanding: "there were a lot of fractured families and people who were alone."[176] The Slaters were created by series consultant Tony Jordan and the sisters were cast in an improvisation session.[176][177] In their first years on the show, the family were at the centre of a child sexual abuse storyline and a domestic violence plot.[178]

Following multiple cast departures, three new cast members — Lacey Turner (Stacey Slater), Gillian Wright (Jean Slater) and Rob Kazinsky (Sean Slater) — joined the show as an extension of the family.[179] Stacey and Jean were used to highlight the topic of bipolar disorder, working with the charity Mind.[180] In 2010, Turner left the series and Wallace reprised her role;[181][182] the following year, Kat featured in a controversial story which sees her son swapped for a deceased baby.[183] Turner returned in 2014 and the Slater family were later expanded.[184] Riley Carter Millington, the first transgender actor to portray a transgender character in a British soap opera, was cast as Stacey's half-brother, Kyle Slater.[185][186] Denise Welch appeared in one episode as Kyle's mother, Alison Slater.[187]

The family became a focal point across New Year 2016 when Kat discovers that she has a secret son and Charlie is killed off.[188][189] The events are followed by a spin-off drama, Kat & Alfie: Redwater, focusing on Kat's search for her son,[190] who is revealed to be murderous Catholic priest Dermott Dolan (Oisín Stack).[191] 2016 also sees Stacey begin suffering from postpartum psychosis, a rare mental illness associated with bipolar mothers.[192] Prior to the storyline, the family were merged with the Fowler family following Stacey's pairing with Martin Fowler (James Bye).[193] Following his reappointment, Yorke revived the Slater family by reintroducing Kat, Jean and Mo,[194] and casting Katie Jarvis as new family member Hayley Slater.[195]

The family have been well-recieved by critics. In December 2003, a BBC spokesperson called the Slaters "arguably the most successful family in soap".[196] On the family, Jess Wilson, writing for OK!, commented, "The Slater sisters were among one of the most popular families to join EastEnders in recent times, and they certainly wasted no time making themselves known on the Square."[197] Her colleague, Laura Donaldson, described the Slater family as "one of the most iconic families" in the soap.[198] She added that the family have been at the centre of "the show's most dramatic and shocking moments".[198] Reflecting on the family in December 2017, Yorke commented, "The Slaters are one of the all-time great families in EastEnders and Albert Square has never felt quite the same since they scattered to different ends of the country, and in some cases beyond."[194]

Smith (1985)

[edit]

Smith (2002)

[edit]

Spraggan

[edit]

Sullivan

[edit]

Tavernier

[edit]

Taylor

[edit]
Taylor family
EastEnders family
First appearanceEpisode 5511
15 June 2017 (2017-06-15)
Introduced bySean O'Connor
Duration2017–

The Taylor family were introduced in 2017 by executive producer Sean O'Connor. The family was announced as being made up of single mother Karen Taylor (Lorraine Stanley) and four of her children, Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters), Bernadette Taylor (Clair Norris), Riley Taylor (Tom Jacobs) and Chatham Taylor (Alfie Jacobs). There is an older sibling, Chantelle Atkins, who lives nearby with her husband and two children, but these family members were not introduced as characters. The family also have a pet dog, Bronson, and bearded dragon, Rooney. O'Connor said of the family's introduction, "I'm hugely excited at the arrival of Karen and her family in Albert Square. They're noisy, brash and not to be messed with. Karen is a twenty-a-day lioness, bringing up her kids with no support, no money and a very loud mouth. But though they may lack cash, the Taylors have love and warmth in spades. This summer is going to be explosive as the Taylors settle in Walford. The Square will never be quite the same again."[200] O'Connor later said that the family "feel very different to the other characters", calling them "a big messy brood" and adding that "they bring [a] breath of fresh air" and "The writers are loving writing for them as they're such great characters and they're all played by amazing actors."[4] O'Connor also opined that the Taylors would "help re-calibrate what the show is", calling them "a tight-knit family who get by on benefits [and are] experiencing the reality of the benefits system [...] in London—one of the most expensive cities in the world"."[4] He revealed that viewers would see the Taylors "struggling to make ends meet, because that's where the best stories are—ordinary characters facing adversity."[4] He thought that the family would divide opinion but that the audience would "love them" within six months, and that they could be "at the centre of the show" because "they have hearts of gold and 'family' means everything" and "whatever fate throws at them, they pick themselves up and face the next day"[4]

Stanley said that the Taylors' entrance to the series is "full on, it's loud, it's messy, it's chaotic", while Walters said, "They're definitely the sort of neighbours you wouldn't want moving into a nice place like Albert Square."[201] The family are all introduced at the same time, which Stanley said gave them "more clout". Walters called them a "powerful family" and a "beautiful family" who "put on a front but have emotions". The Taylors were compared to the Miller family, but Stanley said the Taylors were different to the Millers in that they were "doing their best", but had come across "hurdles", making them "unlucky". Stanley also said the family would show vulnerability over time, that everything they do is for a reason and not simply out of malice, and that the family have a "good secret".[201] Steven Murphy, editor of Inside Soap, said it was a "bold move" to bring the whole family in at once, as soaps usually introduce family members slowly.[202]

In the Taylors' first episode, it is revealed that Keegan Baker (Zack Morris), a character that joined the series in January 2017, is another of Karen's sons.[203]

Baker family
Atkins family

Trueman

[edit]

Patrick eventually becomes a father figure to sisters Denise Fox and Kim Fox and, with no other Trueman family members in the show appearing regularly after 2005, the Trueman and Fox families are essentially become a single unit.

Watts

[edit]
Main article: Watts family

The Watts were one of the original families featured in EastEnders when it began in 1985, anchoring the show's early success and then again dominating the action with their return in the mid-00s. Their longstanding "feud" with the Mitchell family has become a hallmark of the serial,[204] as has their warring for the Queen Vic pub - original and traditional home of the Watts family.[205] They have been called a "national institution" by Tracy Ann Oberman, who played Chrissie Watts, and include some of the show's most iconic and popular characters. The family was devised by EastEnders creators Tony Holland and Julia Smith as a showcase of drama and tragedy.[1] The volatile marriage of Den (Leslie Grantham) and Angie (Anita Dobson) rocketed the show to the top of the ratings, attracting record viewership for an episode broadcast on Christmas Day 1986. After their departure adopted daughter Sharon (Letitia Dean) became the focus of one of the show’s most famous storylines, when she married Grant Mitchell before having an affair with his brother, Phil. In 1995 Dean quit, but was lured back 6 years later in a bid to restore the Watts family.[206] Sharon was joined by Den’s biological daughter, Vicki Fowler, and his unknown son Dennis Rickman (Nigel Harman), in 2003. The move culminated in Den’s own controversial return from an ambiguous death later that year, in an episode watched by over 16 million people.[207] Several months later, Den’s second wife Chrissie was introduced, amid an off-air scandal involving Grantham. In 2005 Den was killed off to mark the show’s 20th anniversary, with 17 million witnesses watching Chrissie commit the deed.[208] Shortly after Oberman announced her intention to quit.[209] This was followed by similar decisions from Dean and Harman.[210] By January 2006, all members of the Watts family had left EastEnders.

Wicks

[edit]

Willmott-Brown/Browning

[edit]
Willmott-Brown
Browning

References

[edit]
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