EastEnders has announced that George Knight (Colin Salmon) will be "unexpectedly reunited" with his adoptive parents Gloria (Elizabeth Counsell) and Eddie (Christopher Fairbank) Knight in Albert Square in the new year.
Teeing up what's ahead, the BBC soap said: "Having not seen George for over a decade, the pair arrive in Walford in an attempt to rebuild bridges with their son, but it soon becomes apparent that both are concealing a secret...
"Elizabeth Counsell will be taking on the role of Gloria Knight. With an impressive career spanning 55 years across television, film and theatre, Elizabeth has starred in a number of roles including Call the Midwife, Doctors and The Split, but she is best known for starring in the BBC television series Brush Strokes.
"Christopher Fairbank will be taking on the role of Eddie Knight. Christopher has an incredible repertoire of roles on both the big and small screen, having recently appeared in The Little Mermaid (2023), Guardians of the Galaxy and Andor."
EastEnders Executive Producer Chris 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 Gloria and Eddie.
"Although currently set to join for a short stint, Gloria and Eddie 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."
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 30 years later!"
Christopher Fairbank added: "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."
EastEnders airs on RTÉ One and BBC One Monday to Thursday.
