List of EastEnders characters (2021)
The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the British soap opera EastEnders in 2021, by order of first appearance. All characters are introduced by the show's senior executive producer, Kate Oates, and the executive producer, Jon Sen.[1] The first character to be introduced in 2021 is Caleb Malone (Ben Freeman), who is introduced as part of a storyline involving Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams) and Lucas Johnson (Don Gilet). Zack Hudson (James Farrar) will make his debut in March. Additionally, multiple other characters appear throughout the year.
Caleb Malone
Caleb Malone, played by Ben Freeman, made his first appearance on 25 January 2021.[2] The character and casting details were announced on 12 January 2021, and it was explained that Caleb would appear "in a number of episodes" in a storyline involving Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams) and Lucas Johnson (Don Gilet). Digital Spy hinted that Caleb "could have something to do" with Chelsea's "ulterior motive in forgiving her father".[3] Freeman has been contracted in a guest role, with Duncan Lindsay of Metro stating that he is set to appear in a "handful of episodes".[4]
Zack Hudson
Zack Hudson, played by James Farrar, is set to make his first appearance in March 2021. The character and casting was announced on 31 January 2021, and it was confirmed that he would begin filming in February.[5] Zack was billed as a "charismatic" character who will "ruffle feathers when he arrives in Walford".[6] It was added that he is a "lone wolf" and an "unpredictable troublemaker who lives life in the fast lane", and that due to a difficult childhood, he became "determined to never rely on anyone" or become attached to someone.[7] On joining the soap, Farrar commented: "I'm thrilled to be joining EastEnders. As a born and bred Londoner myself, I can't wait to bring my experience of a place I love and know to such a well-respected long-running show, with such iconic characters. Zack certainly has a very complicated past and there is a real depth to him that I can't wait to explore."[7] Executive producer Jon Sen opined his joy at Farrar's casting, stating that himself and the production team are excited to see him portray Zack, describing him as "a wonderful addition" to the cast.[7]
Other characters
| Character | Episode date(s) | Actor | Circumstances |
|---|---|---|---|
| DS Latham | 1 January 2021 | Kumbi Mushambi | |
| Jed | 25 January 2021 | James Backway | A man who Frankie Lewis (Rose Ayling-Ellis) believes is the paternal half-brother of Harry, Frankie's dead half-brother. However, after Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) presses him for details on his connection to Harry, it is revealed that Harry was Jed's son, whom he had with Frankie's mother Katy (Simone Lahbib).[8] |
References
- ^ "EastEnders boss reveals FIRST LOOK at this year's explosive Christmas drama". What's on TV. Archived from the original on 14 January 2021. Retrieved 12 January 2021.
- ^ "12 huge EastEnders spoilers for next week". Digital Spy. Retrieved 25 January 2021.
- ^ "EastEnders casts former Emmerdale star Ben Freeman for Chelsea Fox storyline". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 12 January 2021. Retrieved 12 January 2021.
- ^ "Emmerdale star Ben Freeman is cast in EastEnders for Chelsea and Lucas storyline". Metro. 12 January 2021. Archived from the original on 14 January 2021. Retrieved 12 January 2021.
- ^ "Silent Witness and Call The Midwife star James Farrar joins the cast of EastEnders". What's on TV. 31 January 2021.
- ^ "EastEnders: James Farrar joins soap as 'charismatic' Zack Hudson". Entertainment Daily. 31 January 2021.
- ^ a b c "EastEnders casts former Hollyoaks actor James Farrar as newcomer Zack". Digital Spy. 31 January 2021.
- ^ Executive Consultant: Jon Sen; Director: Sarah Esdaile; Writer: Rob Gittins (25 January 2021). "Episode dated 25/01/2021". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One. Retrieved 25 January 2021.