Three (more) new characters

[eithne]

From Digital Spy:

Phil and Grant's children are among the latest spate of new characters to join EastEnders.

First up is Ben Mitchell, Phil's long-absent nine-year-old son who left for South Africa with mum Kathy six years ago. Played by Charlie Jones, the character comes back to Walford at the beginning of March following Kathy's death. "It's brilliant - I'm going to be a Mitchell," said Jones. "I am really looking forward to getting started."

Joining him will be Courtney Mitchell, the ten-year-old daughter of Grant and Tiffany who returns to the Square with her father at the end of March. Described as "charming, intelligent yet spoilt", Courtney - played by Megan Jossa - loves being the centre of attention and hates sharing the spotlight with anyone.

Meanwhile, Vera Drake actor Jake Wood has cast in the role of Max Branning, the father of Jim's grandson Bradley. Little is known about the character, who moves in with Dot and Jim in May. Of the role, Wood said: "I'm a great admirer of both John Bardon and June Brown and I'm looking forward to joining the Branning family."

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I'm going to do a quick count and see how many new characters there are coming soon. There are so many!

[eithne]

So far I've got 12. Let me know if I've left anyone out!

Bradley Branning (arrives this week!)
Max Branning
Kevin Wicks
Carly Wicks
Yanis (Carly's father in law)
Denise Fox
Chelsea Fox
Jack Edwards
Dr. Oliver Cousins
Bert Atkinson
Courtney Mitchell
Ben Mitchell

Sean Slater is also strongly rumoured to be joining the show as well, though nothing official has been announced.

[pearly queen]

Wow a lot of newbies!
All these long lost relations can get a bit of a drag, and a bit complicated. Why does everyone have to be related?
How about a whole new family, but more interesting and better handled than the Ferreras, and less trouble than the Slaters?

[eithne]

Well the Wicks' are technically a new family! Carly and Kevin arrive in a few weeks, followed by Jack Edwards. Also the new doctor arrives this week.

[pearly queen]

The new doctor is definitely in the 'crumpet' department. It seems they're going for good lookers among this new wave of intakes.
This will inevitably lead to more sex/love/relationship/heartbreak type storylines and start to rely less on the knuckle-dragging antics of the Mitchells or other thugs.

[eithne]

I thought the doctor is actually a pretty good actor, as is Deano - even if they might have been cast for their looks.

[pearly queen]

The Award For The Best Actor Wearing Only A Small Towel goes tooooo.................

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