Who plays Nicola’s new family in EastEnders? Gemma, Jodie, Ned, Ryder and Rose explained

Meet the Hawkins family- Walford might never be the same! (Picture: BBC / Metro) EastEnders officially welcomes the Hawkins family to Albert Square this week and it’s safe to say they bring with them chaos in spades. The clan in question are connected to series regular Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington), who got the shock of her life earlier this month when sisters Gemma and Jodie briefly rocked up in Walford. They weren’t alone, with mum Rose soon following suit, much to the chagrin of Nicola, who let’s just say has a difficult relationship with her estranged mother. In just two episodes, the Hawkins made quite the impact on the show and got viewers talking. And just weeks after making their mark they’re back – and this time they’re here to stay! If like many you recognise the stars behind Walford’s latest family then you’re not alone, with the actors in question having played key roles on TV in the past. Metro has all you need to know about who plays who and where you’ve seen them before so let’s take a closer look. Who plays Nicola’s sister Gemma Hawkins in EastEnders? Gemma is played by Patricia Potter (Picture: BBC) Gemma Hawkins is played by Patricia Potter, who is best known for her work on Holby City as Diane Lloyd. Diane appeared in the BBC One medical drama between 2002 and 2007, with subsequent appearances made in 2019. Patricia is also known for her work on Doctors, where she played Jane Fairweather between 2016 and 2017. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. The actress has also appeared in numerous TV series over the years, including Brookside – as Victoria Seagram Wilcox – The Bill, Hollyoaks, Extras and New Tricks. Discussing her casting in EastEnders, Patricia said: ‘I am so delighted to be joining this iconic show as part of a new family. What a joy and a privilege to be working with such talented actors and wonderful people. ‘I couldn’t be more excited and grateful!’ Who plays Nicola’s mum Rose Hawkins in EastEnders? Rose is played by Marian McLoughlin, who soap fans will likely recognise for playing Luke Morgan’s mum Sue in Hollyoaks back in 2021. She is perhaps best known as Marina Bonnaire in Doctors, a role she held between 2011 and 2012. Rose is played by Marian McLoughlin (Picture: BBC) In addition to playing various other roles in Doctors over the years, Marian also appeared in EastEnders previously as DCI Chapman for 7 episodes between 1991 and 1993. The actress has starred in many TV shows including The Bill, Casualty, Holby City, Holby Blue, Foyle’s War and Midsummer Murders. Who plays Nicola’s sister Jodie in EastEnders? Anna Constable plays Jodie (Picture: BBC) Jodie Hawkins is played by Anna Constable, who previously starred in stage productions of Imposter 22 and A Small Enclosed Room, plus short film New Bloom. ‘Growing up watching EastEnders I never thought a disabled actress like me could ever land a role like this,’ said Anna of her casting in EastEnders. ‘But here I am loud and proud and taking no prisoners in mine or Jodie’s wake.’ Who plays Ned in EastEnders? Ned makes quite an entrance! (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes) Ned is played by Jamie Bamber, who has starred in a number of TV’s biggest shows over the last few decades. He is best known for playing Lee Adama in Battlestar Galactica, DS Matt Devlin in Law & Order: UK and for his role in Band Of Brothers, where he played Jack Foley. Other projects to have starred Jamie include Peak Practice, Monday Mornings, The Smile, Marcella, Ghost Whisperer and Beyond Paradise. On taking on the role of Ned, Jamie said: ‘It’s been wonderful. Without exception, every single person I’ve met has been so welcoming, kind and generous. ‘There’s a cast group chat where everyone remembers each other’s birthdays, and that tells you a lot about the atmosphere here. Joining as part of a family has been especially lovely. ‘We all met during the audition process, so it feels very special to be arriving at the same time and sharing that experience.’ Who plays Ryder in EastEnders? Ryder makes his debut this week (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron) Ryder is played by Felix Uff, who has appeared in Outlander, FBI: International and Witches of Essex. On playing Ryder, who is Gemma’s son and therefore Nicola’s niece, Felix said: ‘He was described to me as being like a puppy. I definitely feel that as there is a real sense of joy about him. ‘I suppose with that comes a sense of innocence, but I see him as mischievous. He’s much smarter than he lets on, and he uses humour as a bit of a weapon. ‘I think there is a mercurial nature to him that he definitely gets from his dad, and a real sense of warmth that he gets from his mum. He’s a cheeky Chappy, and that’s a really fun head space to be in.’ Felix teased what’s to come for his Albert Square alter-ego, stating that there ‘has to be light and shade with everything.’ ‘If Ryder is happy-go-lucky, I think it’s safe to say that things might be coming his way that could challenge that and change that in the coming weeks.’ Deals of the Day The viral LED face mask with over 350 lights that's currently discounted by £100 A friend said I looked 'snatched' – I credit this new Charlotte Tilbury powder Shop MySweetSmile's biggest Bank Holiday offers before they end Back-to-school shopping just got a lot cheaper thanks to Primark The back-to-school essential parents forget every year – and it could cost them EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer. If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. Arrow MORE: EastEnders star confirms ‘unspoken’ Ned and Nicola twist amid Hawkins family debut Arrow MORE: EastEnders confirms the most controversial member of the Hawkins family who creates chaos Arrow MORE: The Hawkins in EastEnders have a surprise connection to someone else in Walford The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.