List of EastEnders characters introduced in 2019

Bailey Baker, played by Kara-Leah Fernandes, first appears in episode 5847, which was first broadcast on 10 January 2019.

Bailey is a girl who is in Mitch Baker's (Roger Griffiths) van when drug addict Craig (Andrew Armitage) tries to break in. She hits him over the head and then Mitch arrives, telling Bailey to keep quiet but she says she is bored so he says he will get her a football to play with. Mick Carter (Danny Dyer) sees Bailey sitting with the ball on the street and when she says it is boring on her own, he says he used to spend hours kicking a ball against a wall. Bailey decides to kick the ball against the wall of Mick's pub, The Queen Victoria, but she smashes an upstairs window. Mick, his wife, Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), Mitch, his son Keegan Baker (Zack Morris) and Keegan's mother, Karen Taylor (Lorraine Stanley) all arrive but when Karen tells Bailey to leave, Mitch is forced to say she is with him.^[1] Mitch tells Karen that Bailey is his friend's daughter, and takes Bailey to a football training session.^[2] However, after Karen looks after Bailey, Bailey asks Mitch why she is not allowed to tell people that he is her father.^[3]

When Bailey returns home from a football game, she is shown to be a young carer for her mother, Dinah Wilson (Anjela Lauren Smith), who is suffering from multiple sclerosis. When the Taylor family find out, they pledge to help out, and encourage Bailey to seek help from a care organisation. When Dinah commits suicide, Bailey moves in with Karen and her children. Bailey overhears a conversation between Karen and Mitch, where she discovers that Karen knew Dinah was going to kill herself. She holds a grudge against Karen for a number of weeks, until Karen buys her a star in honour of her mother. When the COVID-19 lockdown occurs, she goes to live with an aunt. When Chantelle dies, Mitch goes to tell her.

Bailey was called a "mystery newcomer" by Sophie Dainty from Digital Spy.^[4]

The character made an unannounced departure from the show on 8 December 2023.

Dinah Wilson, played by Anjela Lauren Smith, makes her first appearance in episode 5869, broadcast on 14 February 2019. Dinah is the ex-girlfriend of Mitch Baker (Roger Griffiths) and mother to his daughter Bailey Baker (Kara-Leah Fernandes). It is soon discovered that Dinah suffers from multiple sclerosis and is looked after by Bailey.

Mitch reveals to his ex-girlfriend Karen Taylor (Lorraine Stanley) that Dinah suffers from multiple sclerosis and that Bailey is her carer. Karen, Mitch and their two children Keegan Baker (Zack Morris) and Chantelle Atkins (Jessica Plummer) help Bailey to clean her flat and Dinah becomes friends with Karen. Unbeknownst to Bailey, Dinah's condition is getting worse and she tells Keegan. Dinah's health decline becomes apparent when she has an accident and is rushed to hospital. The Taylors later rent a room for Dinah and Bailey at 23A Albert Square so that Dinah can have more assistance. Dinah and Karen become closer and Dinah confides in Karen that she can no longer deal with her multiple sclerosis and wants Karen to help her end her life. Karen refuses^[5] and reaches out to Darren (Kris Saunders), a man with multiple sclerosis so that he can speak to Dinah. Darren tells Karen that he used to be depressed but now he enjoys his life and agrees to speak to Dinah the following week. However, Dinah refuses and tells Karen that she doesn't want her condition to ruin her life and that she wants to be there for Bailey.

Unknown to Karen, Dinah plans on ending her own life and buys birthday cards where she writes her final messages to Bailey. Karen discovers this, but Dinah breaks down and reveals that she is scared she will not be able to survive any longer and Karen encourages her to not let her condition negatively impact her life any more. Dinah spends time with Bailey and the following day, Dinah seems better and thanks Karen for her help. Karen decides to take Bailey on a family trip to Walford Park, but Dinah decides to stay at home and says her last goodbye to Bailey. After she finishes writing her last birthday cards to Bailey, Dinah commits suicide and her body is discovered by Mitch.^[6]

Habiba Ahmed, played by Rukku Nahar, makes her first appearance in episode 5871, originally broadcast on 19 February 2019.^[7] She is introduced alongside her sister, Iqra Ahmed (Priya Davdra), as the granddaughters of Arshad Ahmed (Madhav Sharma) and Mariam Ahmed (Indira Joshi).

Habiba arrives in Albert Square alongside her sister Iqra. They convince their uncle Masood that they can run Walford East which he agrees and leaves Walford for Tamwar's wedding. She spots Adam Bateman (Stephen Rahman-Hughes) and begin an affair while he is in a relationship with Honey Mitchell (Emma Barton). Adam constantly lets her down and shows that he does not love her. After realising that Adam has no intention of leaving Honey for her, she threatens him and ends their affair. The Ahmeds celebrate Eid where Adam and Iqra threaten each other and reveals that Iqra has a secret lover. Habiba is shocked at this, and confronts Iqra, who reveals that she is a lesbian. After having a heart-to-heart with Honey, Habiba feels sympathy towards her and warns her about Adam. To make Honey see sense, she reveals her affair with Adam while they were preparing a meal for Mariam after discovering she was mugged. She later begins a relationship with Jags Panesar (Amar Adatia). When they go public with their relationship, Jags' mother Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal) is unhappy and frames Jags for an attack he did not commit. Jags goes to prison and Habiba attempts to prove his innocence. Iqra struggles to support her and believes her girlfriend and Jags' sister Ash Panesar (Gurlaine Kaur Garcha) instead; Habiba tells her to choose between them. Iqra is speechless and Habiba gets in a taxi and leaves. She later gives birth to their son, Tyrion, on the same day that Jags is killed in prison.

The character and Nahar's casting were announced on 20 December 2018, along with that of Habiba's sister, Iqra. Both characters were called "feisty" and a BBC announcement stated that the "Defiant, smart and confident" sisters would "quickly make an impact on Walford".^[8] Habiba is described as "full of heart" and "bubbly", and she has "the best intentions" but it was said that "trouble never seems to be too far behind".^[8] Nahar said of her casting, "I'm so excited to have joined EastEnders, it's a show I've grown up watching and stepping onto Albert Square is just unreal! Habiba is great fun to play and I'm so happy to be working alongside Priya. Can't wait for you all to see what we get up to on the Square."^[8] Davdra confirmed on social media that the characters would appear from February 2019.^[9]

On 22 October 2020, Nahar made her final appearance as Habiba in previously unannounced scenes.^[10] Nahar confirmed her exit on Instagram, where she thanked EastEnders for teaching her "so much" during her tenure, and stated that she was "grateful" for the friendships she made on the programme.^[11]

Iqra Ahmed, played by Priya Davdra, makes her first appearance in episode 5871, originally broadcast on 19 February 2019.^[7] She is introduced alongside her sister, Habiba Ahmed (Rukku Nahar), as the granddaughters of Arshad Ahmed (Madhav Sharma) and Mariam Ahmed (Indira Joshi). Ash Kaur (Gurlaine Kaur Garcha) is introduced as Iqra's girlfriend. Iqra is the first Muslim lesbian to be featured on EastEnders.^[12]

Danny Hardcastle, played by Paul Usher, made his first appearance in episode 5890, originally broadcast on 25 March 2019.^[13] Danny is introduced as a business associate of Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), as well as being involved with Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters). It was announced on 6 March 2019 that the character would appear for a "short period over the spring".^[14] Danny was introduced on 25 March 2019, departed on 25 April 2019 and returned on 16 March 2020 and departed again on 29 September 2020.

Danny is an acquaintance of Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) who has a connection to garages used for money laundering in Spain, which leads Phil into liquidation. He arrives in Walford to tell Phil that he needs to come up with an alternative way to launder money, after the business of the garages collapsed. Phil's son Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) decides to meet up with Danny and threaten him into going into business with him. As revenge, Danny sends Midge (Tom Colley) to befriend Phil's daughter Louise Mitchell (Tilly Keeper) and kidnap her. Louise gets trapped in a container and is due to be taken into sex trade in Odesa, but the Mitchell's manage to rescue her. Phil confronts Danny and Danny reveals that it was a warning to Ben who threatened him and Danny insults him, causing Ben to almost attack him with a glassed cup. Danny later gives Phil another job offer, but Phil refuses and warns Danny never to contact him again.

Midge, played by Tom Colley, makes his first appearance in episode 5891, broadcast on 26 March 2019. The character and Colley's casting were announced on 19 March 2019.^[15] Midge is described as "thug", "dodgy" and "nasty".^[16][17] Midge bumps into Louise Mitchell (Tilly Keeper), causing her to spill coffee on herself. He offers to make it up to her but she declines. He later sees Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters) and when he sees Louise again, she sits with him and introduces Keanu to Midge, who says his name is short for Miguel as his mother is Spanish. Midge then meets with Louise's father, Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), who tells Midge not to mess around. It is revealed that Midge is a rival business owner of Phil's in Spain, that Phil stole business from when he set up garages in Spain and had Keanu working for him. Midge tells Phil he needs compensation and threatens Louise. Phil goes to hit Midge but Keanu stops him. Keanu then tells Phil that Midge was one of the people who tried to kill him in Spain.

Some time later, Midge sees Louise in the pub and says it is nice to see her again. He then calls someone to say he has made contact with "the target" and in 24 hours "she will be history". The next day, Midge realises that Keanu is protecting Louise but after Louise and Keanu argue, he sits with Louise and when Keanu tried to find Louise, he sees Midge and some other men forcing her into a car and driving away at speed. Keanu informs Phil of what he has seen and Phil realises that Louise is being taken to a shipping container yard. Midge has his associates tie Louise's legs up and gag her and he threatens to throw acid in her face if she does not do as she is told, telling her that the shipping container is destined for Odesa, Ukraine. However, when Louise is tied up, Midge reveals it was water, not acid. Midge then locks her in the container. When Keanu finds Louise, Midge knocks him out and locks them both in the container. When Phil arrives, he attacks Midge and demands to know where Louise is. Midge almost overpowers Phil but Phil overpowers Midge and finds out where Louise is.

Chantelle Atkins (also Baker),^[18] played by Jessica Plummer, is the daughter of Karen Taylor (Lorraine Stanley) and Mitch Baker (Roger Griffiths). Chantelle first appears in Episode 5891, originally broadcast on 26 March 2019.^[19] It was announced on 20 December 2018 that the character would be joining the series in 2019.^[20] Casting for the character was still taking place at the time.^[20] On 5 March 2019, it was announced that Plummer would be playing Chantelle.^[21] Further details about the character and her family, consisting of husband Gray Atkins (Toby-Alexander Smith) and their children Mia Atkins (Mahalia Malcolm) and Mackenzie Atkins (Isaac Lemonius), were announced on 11 March 2019.^[22]

Producers used the characters of Chantelle and Gray to explore the topic of domestic violence as Gray is revealed to be attacking Chantelle. The show worked closely with Women's Aid in order to portray the issue sensitively and accurately.^[23] The story results in the character being killed-off, highlighting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on domestic violence; Chantelle was killed by Gray in the episode broadcast on 18 September 2020. Plummer said: "It's been such a privilege to play Chantelle and to be able to tell her story. Sadly what she goes through is all too common and her death is a reminder of the devastating effect of domestic abuse. I've known it wasn't going to end well for Chantelle for a while now and although it was a shock to find out her fate, far too many men and women suffer in silence so I hope that by raising awareness we can ultimately save lives. I am so grateful to all the team and my lovely cast members for being so supportive, I'll miss Albert Square."^[24]

Plummer was shortlisted for Best Newcomer at the 2019 Inside Soap Awards but lost out to Maureen Lipman (who plays Evelyn Plummer in Coronation Street).^[25] Plummer came second in the category for Best Soap Newcomer at the 2019 Digital Spy Reader Awards.^[26] Plummer won Best Actress at the 2020 Inside Soap Awards for her portrayal of Chantelle.^[27] At the 2020 Digital Spy Reader Awards, Plummer won Best Soap Actor (Female) and Chantelle's death was voted Most Devastating Death.^[28]

Gray Atkins, played by Toby-Alexander Smith, is introduced as the husband of Chantelle Atkins (Jessica Plummer). The character and Smith's casting were announced on 11 March 2019. Gray is described as a "hard-working solicitor in London whose success took Chantelle away from Taylor Towers years earlier".^[22] Smith said of his casting, "I'm delighted to be joining the cast of EastEnders as I've always been a fan. I'm looking forward to seeing what Albert Square has in store for Gray."^[22] Gray made his first appearance on 29 March 2019. On 22 February 2022, it was announced that Gray would be leaving EastEnders, and he departed on 10 March 2022.^[29][30] He was the show's main antagonist from 18 September 2020 to his last appearance on 10 March 2022.

Mia Atkins, played by Mahalia Malcolm, is the daughter of Chantelle Atkins (Jessica Plummer) and Gray Atkins (Toby-Alexander Smith). The character and casting were announced on 11 March 2019.^[22] Mia made her first appearance on 12 April.

Mia's parents married after a whirlwind romance when they found out they were expecting her. They had little contact with the Taylor family until arriving in Walford in 2019 when Chantelle is offered a job at Denise Fox's (Diane Parish) hair salon. Mia and Mackenzie enjoy spending time with their grandmother Karen Taylor (Lorraine Stanley) and are delighted when their father buys No. 1 Albert Square so they can be closer to their family. Shortly after this Mia meets her grandfather Mitch Baker (Roger Griffiths) for the first time when he wrongly assumes Gray is harassing Chantelle at The Queen Victoria public house. Mia and Mackenzie have no idea that Gray is abusing Chantelle and after returning home from a family holiday to Southend, they are devastated to find out that Chantelle has died. Unbeknownst to them, Chantelle was killed during an altercation with Gray. Mia and Mackenzie move in with Karen at Shirley Carter's (Linda Henry) insistence after she uncovers Gray's plot to kill himself and the children. Over the next 18 months Mack and Mia are looked after by a number of residents; initially Shirley and her sister Tina Carter (Luisa Bradshaw-White), followed by live-in nanny Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) and then Gray's girlfriend Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams). Chelsea is not interested in Gray's children and frequently neglects them, resulting in Mia asking to stay with the Taylors. This changes when Chelsea becomes pregnant by Gray and they get engaged, resulting in her making the effort to get to know her future stepchildren. Chelsea later gives birth prematurely to Mack and Mia's half-brother Jordan in December 2021. After Gray is arrested for the murders of Chantelle, Tina and Kush Kazemi (Davood Ghadami) in March 2022, Mia and Mackenzie start living with grandparents Karen and Mitch on a permanent basis.

The character made an unannounced departure from the show on 8 December 2023, along with grandparents Karen and Mitch, brother Mackenzie and aunt Bailey.

Mackenzie Atkins, played by Isaac Lemonius, is the son of Chantelle Atkins (Jessica Plummer) and Gray Atkins (Toby-Alexander Smith). The character and casting were announced on 11 March 2019.^[22] Mackenzie made his first appearance on 12 April.

Mackenzie's parents married after a whirlwind romance when they found out they were expecting her. They had little contact with the Taylor family until arriving in Walford in 2019 when Chantelle is offered a job at Denise Fox's (Diane Parish) hair salon. Him and Mia enjoy spending time with their grandmother Karen Taylor (Lorraine Stanley) and are delighted when their father buys No. 1 Albert Square so they can be closer to their family. Shortly after this Mackenzie meets her grandfather Mitch Baker (Roger Griffiths) for the first time when he wrongly assumes Gray is harassing Chantelle at The Queen Victoria public house. Mia and Mackenzie have no idea that Gray is abusing Chantelle and after returning home from a family holiday to Southend, they are devastated to find out that Chantelle has died. Unbeknownst to them, Chantelle was killed during an altercation with Gray. Mia and Mackenzie move in with Karen at Shirley Carter's (Linda Henry) insistence after she uncovers Gray's plot to kill himself and the children. Over the next 18 months Mack and Mia are looked after by a number of residents; initially Shirley and her sister Tina Carter (Luisa Bradshaw-White), followed by live-in nanny Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) and then Gray's girlfriend Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams). Chelsea is not interested in Gray's children and frequently neglects them, resulting in Mia asking to stay with the Taylors. This changes when Chelsea becomes pregnant by Gray and they get engaged, resulting in her making the effort to get to know her future stepchildren. Chelsea later gives birth prematurely to Mack and Mia's half-brother Jordan in December 2021. After Gray is arrested for the murders of Chantelle, Tina and Kush Kazemi (Davood Ghadami) in March 2022, Mia and Mackenzie start living with grandparents Karen and Mitch on a permanent basis.

The character made an unannounced departure from the show on 8 December 2023.

Daniel Cook, played by Adrian Edmondson, is a love interest of Jean Slater (Gillian Wright). The character and Edmondson's casting were announced on 9 May 2019.^[31] He began appearing on 25 June 2019.^[32]

Daniel is first seen at Walford General, being difficult with the nurses, as witnessed by Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) and her daughter, Stacey Fowler (Lacey Turner). He later approaches Jean and attempts to initiate a conversation, but accidentally makes an offensive comment which causes Jean to slap him. Stacey later confronts him about making Jean angry. Daniel continues to be seen each time Jean visits the hospital and they start to grow close. In September 2019, Daniel reveals that his cancer has returned and is now terminal, and Jean promises to care for him. As her feelings for Daniel begin to blossom, and she gets excited about introducing him to Stacey, Jean receives a call from Daniel's neighbour saying that Daniel has died, having been discovered at his home. Jean attends his memorial alongside Kush Kazemi (Davood Ghadami), but it is revealed that Daniel faked his own death because he felt that he was getting too emotionally involved with Jean and did not want to put her through the pain of watching him die slowly. Two months later, Kush visits the hospital to give some magazines on Jean's behalf and bumps into Daniel. He persuades him to come back to Walford and tell Jean the truth but he refuses. Kush gives up and says goodbye.

On Christmas Day, Daniel returns to Walford contemplating telling Jean the truth when he discovers the Panesar brothers demanding back rent money from the Slaters in exchange for them not being evicted from their house. He quickly pays for the rent himself and re-introduces himself to Jean, who is furious at him for faking his death. She asks him for an explanation as to why he did it; he admits that it is because he was falling in love with her and knowing she was falling for him as well, he did not want her to go through the pain of saying goodbye to him on his deathbed. Touched, she kisses him passionately and assures him she will help him live out the rest of his time as fulfilling as possible. Daniel and Jean prank funeral directors Rainie Branning (Tanya Franks) and Stuart Highway (Ricky Champ) into thinking he is dying and wants a lavish funeral, guilt tripping them into giving them a ride in a horse driven carriage. However, when Daniel laters discovers he has weeks to live, he arranges a real funeral with Rainie.

When Daniel's condition worsens, he refuses going into a hospice, and promises Jean that he will hold onto his life until she is cancer free. Jean goes to an appointment accompanied by Mo Harris (Laila Morse), and finds out her cancer has gone. When Daniel asks about the appointment, she tells him that they have not got her results yet. However, Mo reveals that Jean is cancer free. The pair sit on a bench together, and he sends her away to get a hot chocolate; when she returns, Daniel has died.

Laura-Jayne Tyler from Inside Soap begged EastEnders to not kill Daniel off, writing that he was the "best new character in years and years and years".^[33]

Jonno Highway, played by Richard Graham, is the father of Stuart Highway (Ricky Champ) and Callum Highway (Tony Clay). Jonno began appearing as a guest on 1 July 2019.^[34][35] Upon the red carpet at the British Soap Awards 2019, Champ spoke to Radio Times about Graham's casting: "Richard comes in and it's an explosive little storyline. It illuminates a lot about Stuart and his brother Callum's upbringing. It was rough!"^[34] Clay spoke to Metro exclusively: "I think Jonno is the crutch of it all – you really see in him why Callum and Stuart have so many issues. You see where Stuart's aggression comes from and why Callum is so reluctant to come forward about how he feels as he has someone who has suppressed him and put him down all these years. It's all about Callum trying to be the man to prove himself to his dad – but that's not who he wants to be. He just wants his dad to be proud of him but he's never going to be because nothing he ever does is good enough. He has seen his dad be aggressive when he was younger – he has that hold over them still. The minute he walks back in, it's “here we go again”. But equally, there's a hope that it could all work out okay. Maybe they can do this and do the whole family thing, even with what did happen with Ben – but then again, it is EastEnders, isn't it? We’ve seen the impact that Stuart has had on the people of the Square and now you are going to see the root of that and that's in his dad. That can only bring a whirlwind. He's the life of the party but behind closed doors, he is something else entirely and he brings a real edge to the Square. You really start to see the root of Callum and Stuart's troubles – it'll be really interesting to watch. Viewers will hopefully start to get it – and that’ll be the excitement."^[35]

Jonno is first seen after being contacted by his son Callum's fiancée, Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty). He has a disagreement with Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) over gay pride and is confronted by his father, Phil (Steve McFadden). It is revealed that Jonno was not a good father to Callum or Stuart and would be violent towards Stuart. He reveals that he has changed and attempts to reconcile with his family. Jonno confronts Ben in the toilets and expresses his disgust with homosexuals, causing a fight between him and Ben. Jonno's true colours are exposed and Stuart threatens him out of Walford. Jonno returns two months later, wanting to find out how Callum's wedding went. When he discovers that the wedding was called off he confronts Callum about it, and Callum comes out as gay to his father. Disgusted, Jonno accuses Ben of turning him into "one of them", earning himself a punch from Phil in return.

Sheree Trueman, played by Suzette Llewellyn, is the third wife of Patrick Trueman (Rudolph Walker). The character and Llewellyn's casting were announced on 18 June 2019. Sheree made her first appearance on 2 August 2019. On 30 September 2021 Sheree made an unannounced exit from the show.^{[36] [37]}

Sheree arrives in Walford with Patrick after his return from Trinidad where they reveal that they are now married. It is explained that Sheree has known Patrick for a long time. Denise Fox (Diane Parish), finds herself unable to trust her, and is left concerned for Patrick's wellbeing whilst being annoyed by her antics at their salon. After Ted Murray (Christopher Timothy) accidentally kisses Sheree in The Queen Victoria public house, Sheree arranges for Ted to meet her mother Wanda Baptiste (Anni Domingo). This results in Ted deciding to leave Walford with her but, as they are leaving, Sheree reveals to Denise that Wanda had previously faced questions from the police over the death of her last husband. Denise's worries increase with the discovery of a voicemail from Ted appearing to show him panicking, and she confronts Sheree about her mother. Sheree dismisses the allegations of her mother harming Ted, who is later revealed to be fine, but Denise remains convinced that something isn't right with her and remains adamant to find out what.

Denise overhears Sheree on the phone to a man named Isaac (Stevie Basaula), and assumes that she is cheating on Patrick. Denise confronts her and tells her to leave. However, when Isaac turns up in Walford, it is revealed that he is Sheree's son.

DC Darryl Whisson, played by Daniel Moore, is a police officer who made two appearances from 20 August and 15 October 2019. He makes one appearance on 2 March 2020 before returning in 2022 on 22 February. He makes two appearances on 3 May and 27 December 2023. He returns in 2024, appearing between 9 January and 15 April 2024. He first appears in August 2019, and tells Mel Owen (Tamzin Outhwaite) that her son, Hunter (Charlie Winter) has escaped from prison. In October, he arrives at Kathy Beale's (Gillian Taylforth) home after a report of an assault. Kathy says she knows nothing about one but Rainie Branning (Tanya Franks) says she does and punches Kathy in the face. Whisson then arrests Rainie. On 2 March 2020, he restrains Keegan Butcher-Baker (Zack Morris), thinking he has just burgled a house and mistakenly lets the real burglar get away. On 22 February 2022, he investigates an attack on Gray Atkins (Toby-Alexander Smith) and questions Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner).

On 3 May 2023, now a Detective Constable, he arrests Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) for an assault on Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters). On 27 December 2023, he interviews Kathy, Stacey, Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), Denise Fox (Diane Parish), Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), about the incidents in The Queen Victoria on Christmas Day. When Nish wakes up from an induced coma, Darryl questions Nish on the attack and Nish tells him that it was Keanu due to Suki (Balvinder Sopal) telling him that it was Keanu, and Nish not remembering who attacked him.

Ash Panesar (also Kaur), played by Gurlaine Kaur Garcha, made her first appearance on 29 August 2019. Ash is introduced as the bisexual Sikh girlfriend of Iqra Ahmed (Priya Davdra), with whom she has been in a relationship with for over a year. Ash's identity was kept a secret due to Iqra being entered into an arranged marriage with a man.^[38]

Leo King, played by Tom Wells, makes his first appearance on 3 September 2019. He was unnamed until episode 5990 on 9 September 2019. Details of the character and storyline were also announced on the same day.^[39] Leo is the son of paedophile Tony King (Chris Coghill), who abused Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) as a child.^[39] Wells expressed his delight in joining the cast, adding, "I'm really excited to be joining the EastEnders team and seeing what's in store for Leo". Wells also commented that "He's definitely a man not to be trusted".^[39] Executive producer Jon Sen also added "Bianca's return sparks a gripping new story with the arrival of Leo King – a dark and misguided figure who has grown up with the stigma of being the son of a convicted paedophile. We are thrilled to welcome Tom to the Square, knowing he will bring depth and complexity to the role of Leo, a man who believes his father has been wronged and who will also go to great lengths to prove it".^[39] The character was killed-off in February 2020; his departure had not been announced beforehand. On-screen, Whitney stabs Leo in self defence after he tries attacking her with a knife.^[40]

Leo first appears as a guest at Whitney's wedding to Callum "Halfway" Highway (Tony Clay). He talks to Whitney's stepsister, Tiffany Butcher (Maisie Smith), and proceeds into pecking her cheek, which is witnessed by Tiffany's mother Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer). Bianca warns Leo to stay away. However, Leo arrives in Walford and begins menacing Bianca. It is revealed that he is the son of Bianca's ex-boyfriend Tony and believes that Whitney had lied about Tony sexually abusing her. He threatens Bianca about money his grandmother had left him and threatens to hurt both Whitney and Tiffany if he does not receive the money.

Whitney returns to Walford and announces that she been talking to a new man. The man is revealed to be Leo and he picks her up in his car. Leo and Whitney's fling continues, however Whitney introduces him to Tiffany whom he had kissed during Whitney's wedding. Tiffany reveals his identity, but Whitney continues to meet with him. Whilst in E20, Whitney confides with Leo about her past relationships and he tries to push for more information about her relationship with his father, but he fails to get it. Soon afterwards Whitney tells him that she is not after a relationship. In an attempt to drive Whitney and Callum apart, Leo finds a video of Callum doing nothing when his friend attempts to rape an unconscious girl at a party.

Leo confronts Whitney on a balcony, and when Kush Kazemi (Davood Ghadami) sees them, he goes to help Whitney, but accidentally pushes Leo over the balcony. While in hospital, Whitney visits him in the hope that he will not press charges against Kush. He finds a notebook in her bag, detailing all of their interactions. Leo makes Whitney go into the pub and tell everyone that Tony was innocent, and leaves. He begins hiding in Whitney's loft, spying on her from a hole in the ceiling. When she is alone, he confronts her, and the pair fight, ending in Whitney stabbing him in self defence. His dead body is left on her kitchen floor.

Jags Panesar,^[41][42] played by Amar Adatia, made his first appearance on 4 October 2019.^[43] He is the second eldest of the three Panesar brothers, the others being Kheerat (Jaz Deol) and Vinny (Shiv Jalota). The family is described as a British Asian family of Punjabi Sikh heritage.^[44] The character and Adatia's casting were announced on 21 August 2019.^[45] Jags is described as someone who "has always struggled in the shadow of his older brother and despite his best intentions, nothing ever seems to go to plan for try-hard Jags leaving Kheerat and the rest of the family constantly unimpressed."^[44] Producer Jon Sen said of the family "The Panesar family are set arrive this autumn and will bring their own unique blend of charm and chaos onto the Square. A British Asian family of Punjabi Sikh heritage, Kheerat, Jags and Vinny are three very different brothers who turn up in Walford looking to settle a score – however, fate quickly takes a hand and they find themselves staying for good. We're thrilled to be introducing this vibrant new family to Walford and to be sharing their stories."^[44] Of his casting, Adatia said, "My younger self would never have believed I'd be on EastEnders. It's pretty amazing to be part of one of the most iconic television shows alongside some of the best actors in the business. I really am so grateful."^[44][45] On 26 September 2020, it was announced that Adatia would be departing from his role as Jags as part of a "dark storyline".^[46] Adatia made his final appearance in an episode broadcast on 9 October 2020.^[47] The character was killed off-screen on 24 June 2021.^[48]

Kheerat Panesar, played by Jaz Singh Deol, made his first appearance on 4 October 2019.^[43] He is the eldest of three brothers, the others being Jags (Amar Adatia) and Vinny (Shiv Jalota). The family is described as a British Asian family of Punjabi Sikh heritage.^[44] The character and Deol's casting were announced on 21 August 2019.^[45] Kheerat is described as a "successful businessman who knows exactly what he wants and how to get it" and that he "uses his persuasiveness and charm to his advantage in every situation"^[45] Producer Jon Sen said of the family "The Panesar family are set arrive this autumn and will bring their own unique blend of charm and chaos onto the Square. A British Asian family of Punjabi Sikh heritage, Kheerat, Jags and Vinny are three very different brothers who turn up in Walford looking to settle a score – however, fate quickly takes a hand and they find themselves staying for good. We're thrilled to be introducing this vibrant new family to Walford and to be sharing their stories."^[44] Of his casting, Deol said, "I'm very proud and excited to be joining such an iconic show and bringing to life a character that is a reflection of the cultural background that I and many others come from in today's modern Britain. I can't wait to get started and for viewers to meet the Panesars."^[44][45] Deol made an unannounced departure from the show on 10 November 2022, when Kheerat falsely confessed to murder, to protect his family.^[49]

Vinny Panesar,^[41][42] played by Shiv Jalota, made his first appearance on 29 October 2019. He is the youngest of the Panesar brothers, the others being Kheerat (Jaz Deol) and Jags (Amar Adatia). The family is described as a British Asian family of Punjabi Sikh heritage.^[44] The character and Jalota's casting were announced on 21 August 2019.^[45] Vinny is described as "the golden boy of the family; he's sweet, bright and has been indulged since the day he was born. However people shouldn't be fooled by Vinny's innocent exterior, he's no angel and it's safe to say trouble is often close by."^[44] Producer Jon Sen said of the family "The Panesar family are set arrive this autumn and will bring their own unique blend of charm and chaos onto the Square. A British Asian family of Punjabi Sikh heritage, Kheerat, Jags and Vinny are three very different brothers who turn up in Walford looking to settle a score – however, fate quickly takes a hand and they find themselves staying for good. We're thrilled to be introducing this vibrant new family to Walford and to be sharing their stories."^[44] Of his casting, Jalota said, "It still hasn't sunk in that I'm going to be on EastEnders. As a young boy, I remember being introduced to the Masood family and thinking there are people like me on television. To be part of that next generation of people representing my identity is a blessing. I couldn't be more excited."^[44][45]

Vinny arrives on Albert Square with his brothers in search of their sister Ash Kaur (Gurlaine Kaur Garcha). Vinny eventually tracks her down, and reveals to her that their mother, Suki (Balvinder Sopal), is dying of cancer. Ash refuses to visit because of how she was treated by her and Vinny expresses upset at Ash cutting him out of her life when she left home.^[51]

Peggy Taylor (also Mitchell) is the daughter of Louise Mitchell (Tilly Keeper) and Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters). She is named after Louise's deceased grandmother, Peggy Mitchell (Barbara Windsor). She was born just before it was revealed that Keanu was the father of Louise's stepmother Sharon Mitchell's (Letitia Dean) unborn baby. As a result, they broke up and Louise moved to Portugal on 24 January 2020 with her mother Lisa Fowler (Lucy Benjamin).

In July 2023, it was announced that Peggy would be returning to EastEnders briefly, alongside Lisa.^[52] They returned on 10 July 2023 and departed on 20 July 2023.^[52] She was played by Hallie upon return.^[52] Speaking to Radio Times about working with Hallie, Benjamin said: "I think at one point, she even turned and said, when they were improvising - I think there was a scene with Keanu, and is it [Karen] that works in the laundrette? And she just said, I think they said 'get out my laundrette!' and she said 'get out my pub!' Little Peggy said 'get out my pub!'"^[52] Benjamin also praised her young co-star: "Oh my god, she was amazing. She was totally fantastic, and adorable. I mean, talk about scene-stealing! I mean, she honestly was gorgeous. But yeah, we built a really lovely chemistry. I've not seen her on-screen yet, but I'm really looking forward to seeing it because she's just, she was a natural. I mean, it was just a gift, she's a delight. She's got some lovely [scenes], she does. She had a couple of lines that were written in the scripts. I thought, 'I don't know how they're gonna get her to say these lines.' But you kind of prepped her. I said, 'I'll say this. And then d'you want to try and say that?' and it just kept running and kept running. And she would do it. I honestly can't wait to see how she comes across on-screen."^[52]

Michaela Turnbull, played by Fiona Allen, first appears in episode 6037, originally broadcast on 9 December 2019.

Michaela is the mother of Leo King (Tom Wells), and the ex-wife of Tony King (Chris Coghill). Michaela arrives in Walford after finding out that Leo has been staying there, and when she finds out that he has been in contact with Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty), who her ex-husband groomed, she tries to force him to go home with her. However, Leo slams her to the ground and hits her with his briefcase. After Leo asks Whitney for the truth, he realises that Tony did abuse Whitney. He releases Michaela from the boot of her car and says she was right about Tony and should have believed her, but Michaela calls him "sick" and drives away. When she learns that Leo has died, she takes Whitney hostage. Michaela reveals to her that she knew about Tony grooming her, but did nothing to stop him.

Paul Simper of Radio Times wrote: "The irony is that Michaela should be Whitney's saviour. It's high time she put the sisterhood first and ended both families' circles of abuse once and for all."^[53]

Detective Inspector Steve Thompson, played by Philip Wright, first appears in episode 6045, originally broadcast on 23 December 2019.^[54] Uncredited during his first appearance, he makes his first credited appearance in episode 6063, originally broadcast on 16 January 2020.^[55]

DI Thompson is first seen as a colleague of Jack Branning's (Scott Maslen), when they witness Callum Highway (Tony Clay) attacking Leo King (Tom Wells) and break up the fight. The following month, Thompson questions Karen Taylor (Lorraine Stanley), Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) and Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) about the disappearance of Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters). Karen says she is not worried about her son, while Phil reveals that Keanu had an affair with Phil's wife, Sharon Mitchell (Letitia Dean), and got her pregnant and Ben says they were in the pub when Keanu disappeared.^[55] He later arrests Phil and Ben for Keanu's murder and presents Phil with evidence at the police station.^[56] DI Thompson later speaks with Sharon about the whereabouts of her son, Dennis Rickman (Bleu Landau), who she believes Phil has taken abroad. Ben tries to speak to Thompson, who rebuffs him and warns him that although they are unaware of Phil's whereabouts, they are watching Ben.^[57] When Phil hands himself into the police for the causing a boat crash on the River Thames, DI Thompson questions him about this and his involvement with Keanu. He clashes with Phil's lawyer, Ritchie Scott (Sian Webber), when she pauses the interview. Sharon changes the statement she made about Phil, so to his fury, DI Thompson has to release Phil.^[58]

Thompson appears at the scene of Vinny Panesar's (Shiv Jalota) illegal rave with other police officers when a brick is thrown at the window of a police car. He notices Keegan (Zack Morris) and Tiffany Butcher-Baker (Maisie Smith) leaving the scene and arrests Keegan for criminal damage and obstruction.^[59] He then threatens to arrest Tiffany too. At the station, Jack speaks to him about Keegan's arrest. DI Thompson reads Keegan's previous convictions and explains the situation to Jack, but lies that Keegan threw the brick, insulted him and resisted arrest. Later, Jack speaks to DI Thompson while he is having a cigarette. Jack explains that he viewed the body camera footage from the arrest and is unsure whether Keegan is responsible, which annoys DI Thompson as he sees this as Jack not trusting him. DI Thompson questions Keegan, presenting to him the footage; Keegan threatens to report DI Thompson for the injuries sustained to him during the arrest, but he claims that it is a result of Keegan resisting arrest. Keegan is then released on bail.^[60] After footage of the arrest, featuring DI Thompson, is recovered, Jack shows it to Keegan and Tiffany.^[61]

At the police station, Thompson warns Callum, now a police constable, about an arrest he made earlier that day; he tells him that the man he arrested has claimed that Callum used excessive force and has gone to A&E to be assessed. He then instructs Callum to search through some CCTV footage of a warehouse as part of his operation to arrest criminal Danny Hardcastle (Paul Usher). Callum spots a blurred image of Ben on the footage which DI Thompson says he will have enhanced and Callum tries to avoid this. Thompson and Jack interview Danny after he is found with a bag of money in his car boot. Danny claims that he has been set up, but refuses to say who did it. Later that day, Thompson arrests Ben on suspicion of armed robbery at the warehouse; Ben refuses to answer his questions. During the arrest, Thompson spots Callum at Ben's house and later, he confronts Callum, quickly realising that he is Ben's partner. Thompson reminds Callum that relationships with convicted criminals should be declared, so blackmails him into helping him to convict Phil in return for his silence and Ben's freedom.^[62] Thompson pressures Callum into making a decision. When Callum declines the deal, he warns him that Ben would not do the same for him, so he should reconsider his decision.^[63] Ritchie asks for Ben to be released, but Thompson claims that he is giving them an opportunity to prove Ben's innocence, while he awaits Callum's decision. Ben is later released after Callum agrees to Thompson's deal to convict Phil.^[64] He later meets with Callum to congratulate him on his decision and convince him that he made the right choice.^[65] Thompson and Callum meet again after Phil offers Callum information about his future deals. After Phil asks Callum to perform a police check, Callum informs Thompson, who states that that is not enough evidence to imprison Phil for years. Thompson tells Callum that the team was impressed with how he dealt with a road traffic collision and reminds him that he has opportunity to find evidence on Phil, before asking him to place a recorder in Phil's repair garage, The Arches.^[66] Thompson later gives Callum a wire to wear for recording incriminating conversations with Phil. Callum meets him again to withdraw from the operation; Thompson reveals that the operation is not legal, before threatening to expose Callum for assaulting Danny if he reveals the operation. Callum speaks to Thompson about requesting information on Ellie Nixon (Mica Paris); Thompson explains that Ellie used a fake surname and is a known criminal. Callum asks for information on Ellie to give to Phil, claiming that he will help their operation in the long term. Later, DI Thompson meets with Jack, who informs him that Phil kidnapped and attacked him ten months earlier. Jack never reported the crime, so he asks Thompson to claim that he wrote the report, but it went missing. Thompson is hesitant as he is worried about his illegal operation, so Jack decides to do it without his support.

After DI Thompson is caught threatening Callum, he is punched by Stuart Highway (Ricky Champ). Later, Stuart follows Thompson and confronts him. When Thompson taunts Stuart about Callum, he punches him, knocking him out. Believing he has killed Thompson, Stuart moves him to the undertakers and places him in a coffin. After failing to check on him in the days afterwards, Stuart learns that Thompson was seen at a disciplinary hearing and realises he had survived and escaped the coffin. Stuart is later taken in for questioning, with Thompson threatening to charge him for attempted murder unless Callum pushes further in his efforts to take down Phil. A panicked Callum tells Jack about the situation. Jack blackmails Thompson into giving up his pursuit of Phil unless he wants his dodgy dealings revealed. After Thompson hands over all of his evidence, Jack persuades him to retire from the police.