According to the Press Association, actress Laura Doddington has described her time on EastEnders as a “whirlwind,” saying it is a “real privilege and honour” to bring a new family to Albert Square with her character. The 45-year-old actress made her first appearance as Nicola Mitchell on the BBC soap in 2024, and viewers have seen her navigate storylines around murder, infidelity and more recently a premature pregnancy, before her estranged mother and her sisters made their dramatic debut in Walford as part of the new Hawkins family.
Exploring Nicola Mitchell’s Backstory and Trauma
Viewers have recently seen her character reflect on her turbulent relationship with her abusive father and how she blamed herself for his death, as well as the impact this had on her relationship with her mother. Speaking exclusively to Digital Spy, actor Laura Doddington reveals all about bringing Nicola’s family members, the future of her relationship with George, and those two flashforward mysteries involving her character, noting that the writing of that scene was incredible and the trauma she has gone through explains the woman she is.
Speaking to Digital Spy, Doddington explained that the raveness of it and the fact that she allows herself to be that vulnerable with George says so much about their relationship as well, and how she feels about him.
The Hawkins Family Arrives in Walford
The newly introduced Hawkins clan brings fresh dynamics to Albert Square. According to the Press Association, the Hawkins family is comprised of Marian McLoughlin as Nicola’s mother Rose, while Patricia Potter and Anna Constable portray her sisters Gemma and Jodie, respectively. The new additions also include Jamie Bamber as Gemma’s husband Ned and Felix Uff as their mischievous son Ryder, and an adorable dog called Budd, according to Digital Spy.
Doddington noted that family reunions often force adults to revert instantly to childhood roles. She told the Press Association: “I think for Nicola, it’s really frustrating. Families bring out certain things in us, and I think seeing Nicola as the daughter and as the sister will be a very different Nicola to the parent or the lover or the wife.”
Did you know? Although Nicola is technically a Mitchell and was part of someone else’s family—having married Teddy at 18—Laura Doddington noted in her Digital Spy interview that when you get back in a room with your family, you suddenly revert to being the daughter.
Future Dynamics on Albert Square
With the Hawkins clan soon to return permanently, Doddington told Digital Spy that in two years, she still has never woken up and gone, ‘ugh, I’ve got to go to work’. EastEnders airs on RTÉ One and BBC One on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, with catch-up on the RTÉ Player.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who plays Nicola Mitchell on EastEnders?
Nicola Mitchell is played by actress Laura Doddington, who made her first appearance on the BBC soap in 2024.
Who are the new members of the Hawkins family?
According to the Press Association and Digital Spy, the family includes Nicola’s mother Rose (Marian McLoughlin), sisters Gemma (Patricia Potter) and Jodie (Anna Constable), Gemma’s husband Ned (Jamie Bamber), and their son Ryder (Felix Uff), alongside an adorable dog called Budd.
When does EastEnders air?
EastEnders airs on RTÉ One and BBC One on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Join the Discussion: What do you think of the Hawkins family shake-up in Walford? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts on Nicola’s turbulent backstory.
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