EastEnders has revealed that Linda Carter's mother Elaine Peacock is returning to the hit BBC One soap.

Elaine first made a debut in Walford in 2014 and was last seen in 2017 with the character's return set to be early this summer.

However, despite Elaine previously being played by Maria Friedman, the role has now been recast and Absolutely Fabulous star Harriet Thorpe will be taking on the character instead.

Elaine will be joined by new family, the Knights, as her lover, George, and his two daughters Gina and Anna, will be moving to Albert Square with her.

James Bond star Colin Salmon, who is best known for his role as MI6 deputy chief of staff Charles Robinson in three Bond films, will play "tough-talking and fiercely protective" father-of-two George.

Strictly Come Dancing finalist Molly Rainford will be playing Anna, the youngest of the family, and Francesca, who has starred in A Discovery of Witches, will be taking on the role of Gina.

EastEnders has teased about the new family, who will make their debut early this summer, in a statement: "There’s trouble brewing in Albert Square as a new family is heading into The Queen Victoria.

"With Linda Carter struggling to manage the pub since Mick’s disappearance, both Sharon Watts and the Panesars are vying to join forces with Linda to run Albert Square’s iconic pub.

"However, little do they know that Linda is secretly teaming up with her mother, Elaine Peacock, who will be bringing her new lover, George Knight, and his two daughters, Gina and Anna, to the Square."

Speaking of the Knights, Chris Clenshaw, Executive Producer said: "The arrival of the Knights brings a new dawn to Albert Square. George Knight is a charming rogue and an old-school gent who dotes on his two daughters, Gina and Anna.

"George will take up residence in The Queen Vic when he joins his beloved Elaine, a powerhouse of a land-lady who knows just how to have fun.

"The couple will be joined by feisty, determined and demanding Gina, who is as sharp and cool as cut diamonds but with a temper that blazes like fire, whereas younger sister, Anna is fun, loveable, and big-hearted, but don’t underestimate her.

"George, Gina and Anna have been bound together for years and arriving in Walford is the fresh-start the Knights are looking for.

"We’re thrilled to welcome this hugely talented group of actors; Colin Salmon, Harriet Thorpe, Francesca Henry and Molly Rainford who will be immediately thrown into the heart of the Square, and we can’t wait for everyone to meet them."

Harriet said of the role: "I’m thrilled to be playing Elaine who is an ultimate matriarch with a huge and vivid personality with a heart of gold who takes no prisoners and fights with all she’s got, but has a vulnerable side that she only shows a select few.

"The Vic needs strong women running it, and I want to honour the incredible, iconic queens who define EastEnders since the beginning.

"The entire company is a dream come true to work with, full of support, laughs, and creativity, with the warmest welcome from day one. The East End is where my family started out, so for me this feels like coming home!"

EastEnders continues on Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One.

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