Nicola’s demons send shockwaves ahead of family’s explosive EastEnders debut

| Freelance soaps writer Published August 12, 2026 9:00pm She’s got even more secrets (Picture: BBC) EastEnders reveals more skeletons hiding in Nicola Mitchell’s (Laura Doddington) closet next week ahead of her on-screen family’s explosive arrival in Walford later this year. The Albert Square matriarch recently opened up to her partner George Knight (Colin Salmon) about the complicated relationship she has with her mother, who blames her for the abuse they both suffered at the hands of her now-deceased father. And with Nicola’s mum Rose set to descend upon Albert Square with the rest of her family in the coming weeks, forthcoming scenes will see Nicola forced to face more demons after another incident involving George. The couple are currently back on track after a rocky few months, but as they prepare for Kojo Asare’s (Dayo Koleosho) birthday drinks in The Vic, a situation escalates which threatens their harmony. Nicola recently told George more about the relationship she has with her mum (Picture: BBC) Quite what that involved remains a mystery for now, but as things worsen, it’s not long before Nicola is forced to face her past and have an honest conversation with George. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Will the couple manage to overcome yet another bump in the road? Last month, EastEnders bosses confirmed that Nicola’s mum Rose (Marian McLoughlin) will soon be moving onto the Square, along with her sister Gemma, who has been mentioned numerous times on screen and will be played by former Holby City star Patricia Potter. They will be joined by Gemma’s husband Ned (Jamie Bamber), their son Ryder (Felix Uff), and Nicola’s younger sister Jodie (Anna Constable). Nicola’s family will soon make their arrival (Picture: BBC) Executive producer Ben Wadey previously teased plenty of upcoming drama for fan favourite Nicola and her new on-screen clan. ‘The Hawkins family are a fantastic addition to Walford,’ he said. ‘While the family share a fierce loyalty to one another, decades of complicated history and Nicola’s estrangement from them have left fractures within the family that are far from healed. ‘We’re all very excited for what we have planned for the family, and we can’t wait for the audience to meet them’. Deals of the Day Parents can save up to 30% on Kickers school shoes ahead of the new term The back-to-school hack that's helping parents avoid queues and sold-out sizes Could your hair be wavy rather than straight? This brand thinks so Could your star sign improve your skincare routine? This new beauty launch thinks so Best skincare for menopausal skin? This dermatologist-created treatment is tailored to you EastEnders airs these scenes from Monday 17th August at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer. Arrow MORE: Fears grow for Nicola in EastEnders as pressure mounts following decisions Arrow MORE: All EastEnders spoilers for next week as Ian works with serial killer Gray to destroy Chelsea Arrow MORE: All EastEnders spoilers for next week as major show legend faces the end The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.