List of EastEnders characters introduced in 2023

Brett Nelson, played by Fabrizio Santino, first appears in episode 6625, originally broadcast on 9 January 2023. Brett is introduced as someone from Zack Hudson's (James Farrar) past. He is described as "enigmatic". The shared backstory between Brett and Zack states that the latter contracted HIV from Brett after they shared needles from steroid injections. The character makes his final appearance in episode 6631, originally broadcast on 19 January 2023. == Emma Harding ==

Emma Harding, played by Patsy Kensit, first appears in episode 6635, originally broadcast on 25 January 2023. The character and Kensit's casting details were first reported on 5 November 2022, with further details announced on 20 December 2022. Emma is introduced as the estranged mother of established character Lola Pearce (Danielle Harold), who is terminally ill with a brain tumour. Kensit made a cameo appearance as Emma in episode 6722, originally broadcast on 27 June 2023, following Harold's departure. In the narrative, an upset Emma delivers flowers to Lola's funeral. Kensit's second return was reported on 22 July 2023 by Laura Armstrong of the Daily Mirror. A show publicist explained that the actress had impressed producers and was surprised to be invited back. She had already begun filming her return. Emma returns in the episode broadcast on 11 September 2023. portrays Emma Harding. Lola's grandfather, Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick), tracks Emma down after Lola expresses a wish to meet her mother before she dies. Emma admits that she is always thinking about Lola, but declines an invite to her wedding that day. Despite this, she visits Walford, where Lola lives, and watches her and her husband, Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick), from afar. Emma books an appointment at Fox & Hair salon, where Lola works, under the name Nicole; they bond but Emma does not reveal her identity. She is then upset to learn that Lola is terminally ill through watching her online vlogs. When Lola tells Emma about her daughter, Lexi Pearce (Isabella Brown), being bullied, Emma visits the school and threatens the bully. Emma anonymously delivers an envelope of money to Lola, who is concerned about the delivery. When Emma books another appointment with Lola and tips her cash, Lola becomes suspicious and accuses Emma of delivering money. As Emma explains that she is trying to help Lola, Billy and Jay enter and reveal that Emma is Lola's mother. Although Lola is initially against speaking to Emma, she relents when Emma explains that Dan was an abusive alcoholic who hospitalised her when he threw boiling water over her. She adds that Dan then took Lola away and lied that Emma had abandoned her; Lola does not believe her but changes her mind when Emma shows her the scars from the incident. Emma tries to rebuild her relationship with Lola, but Billy and Jay are suspicious of her intentions. Lola struggles with Emma's overbearing behaviour and asks for some space. Before leaving, Emma gives Lexi a locket with her phone number in. A few weeks later, Lexi calls Emma to inform her of Lola's deterioration. Whilst initially angry that Emma gave her phone number to Lexi, Lola soon reconciles with Emma, who becomes wary of Jay. At Peggy's bar, Emma spots Jay and another woman talking and assumes they are having an affair; she tells Lola, who throws Jay out. After speaking to Jay's former girlfriend, Honey Mitchell (Emma Barton), Emma realises that she was wrong and apologises. Emma, Lola and Lexi then spend Mother's Day together, which upsets Lexi, who wanted to spend the day alone with Lola. Emma supports Lola, Jay and Lexi when they arrange a charity fundraiser, but she is devastated when Lola learns that her tumour is incurable and she has six months to live. Emma confides in Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf) that she believes Lola is better off without her. Emma then tells Lola that she has been offered a job in America. Lola is furious with Emma for considering leaving her again and tells her that she never wants to see her again. Two months later, Lola dies. Emma arrives at her funeral with a large bouquet of flowers, but becomes overwhelmed and leaves. Emma returns three months later, after it is revealed that Lexi has been texting her for weeks, confiding in her after being bullied at secondary school. She meets with Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden), Lexi's father, and warns him about Lexi's bullying. Ben angrily orders Emma to leave but his husband, Callum Highway (Tony Clay), agrees to meet up with Emma to discuss Lexi. After having a drink at Peggy's, Emma has sex with Ben's father, Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), who is about to marry Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace). Emma tries to blackmail Phil into arranging regular contact for her and Lexi, but he threatens her instead. Emma soon leaves again and is forced by Phil to discontinue contact with Lexi. == Jed ==

Jed, played by Bradley Jaden, first appears in episode 6638, originally broadcast on 31 January 2023. The character and Jaden's casting details were announced on 24 January 2023. == Shiv ==

Shiv (credited as Shifty Shiv), played by Peter Caulfield, first appears in episode 6667, originally broadcast on 22 March 2023. The character and Caulfield's casting details were announced on 14 March 2023. Shiv is introduced as a "shifty" loan shark who loans money to Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner). The character makes his final appearance in episode 6678, originally broadcast on 11 April 2023. == Troy ==

Troy, played by Chris Evangelou, first appears in episode 6669, originally broadcast on 27 March 2023. Evangelou's casting was publicised in a social media post by co-star Max Bowden on 22 March 2023. Details about the character were then announced on 27 March 2023. Troy is introduced as a boxer at the Boxing Den gym, a new set on the show. Evangelou is a former professional boxer and was cast in a guest role. The character appears in a story with Ben Mitchell, portrayed by Bowden, as Ben takes up boxing at the gym. Bowden enjoyed working with Evangelou on the story. Evangelou was excited to be cast in the soap and felt "grateful for this opportunity". == Jo Cotton ==

Jo Cotton, played by Vicki Michelle, first appears in episode 6671, originally broadcast on 29 March 2023. Michelle's casting in the soap was reported on 4 February 2023. Details about her character were announced by executive producer Chris Clenshaw during an interview on Loose Women on 24 February 2023. The character had been referenced in episode 6596, first broadcast on 23 November 2022. Jo is introduced as the estranged wife of established character Tom "Rocky" Cotton (Brian Conley), who is engaged to Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth). The character's backstory states that Jo and Rocky have been married for 25 years. Producers kept most details about the backstory embargoed. Appearing on Lorraine, Michelle told host Lorraine Kelly that she wanted the role to be developed into a regular position. Michelle's return was reported in June 2023 as part of her character's story with Rocky. Jo's return also assisted in the introduction of Rocky's pet parrot Jasper. Michelle confirmed that she would return for episodes 6713 and 6714, originally broadcast on 12 and 13 June 2023, respectively. Michelle returned again in July 2023 for four episodes centring around Rocky and Kathy's wedding. Lewis Knight from the Radio Times predicted that the character would return again to "cause more trouble". He added that "all hell is going to break loose" through Jo's introduction. Having been raised in the East End of London, Michelle felt the role was right for her and used her native accent when playing Jo. == Theo Hawthorne ==

Theo Hawthorne, played by William Ellis, first appears in episode 6675, originally broadcast on 5 April 2023. Theo is introduced as the former teacher of Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier). Lucy Robinson from OK! praised the story in an article about symptoms of ADHD. After hearing about Stacey Slater's (Lacey Turner) current financial issues during the cost of living crisis, he buys her pregnant daughter Lily Slater (Lillia Turner) a pair of shoes. Stacey later tells Theo that he over stepped the mark, and it was left at that until Theo secretly gives the shoes back to Lily. The shoes are quickly noticed by Lily's friends, Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd), Denzel Danes (Jaden Ladega) and Davinder "Nugget" Gulati (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury), to which Lily tells them an older man has brought them her. After rising worries from friend Amy, Amy later tells Stacey that Lily still has the shoes, thus Stacey making Lily throw the shoes in the bin. After Lily fears about her financial stability towards her child, she calls Theo from Freddie's mobile phone. As money troubles increase in the Slater household, Theo gives Lily £50, telling her to tell her family that the money was from Ricky Mitchell (Frankie Day), the father of her unborn baby. Stacey's ex-husband Martin Fowler (James Bye) soon hears about Theo tutoring Lily for free and buying her shoes, he soon brings up these suspicions to Stacey, who shuts them down. Martin then goes to Theo's old school he used to be employed at seeking to find evidence and a receptionist there later tells Martin that he had an inappropriate relationship with someone at the school. Theo was later revealed as a stalker of Stacey's, after watching her online via webcams. Later, Theo is left by Stacey's mother Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) on his own with Lily, and she is rushed to hospital after stomach pains. Martin pushes Theo up against the wall in a rage. Stacey later tells Martin to give Theo a chance, to which he does. Eve Unwin (Heather Peace) asks Theo to attend the wedding of Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) and Tom "Rocky" Cotton (Brian Conley) as Stacey's +1, unaware that Stacey is trying to rekindle her relationship with Martin. Theo later continues to stalk Stacey after being revealed as the stalker. Stacey takes a stand in the community centre to other angry parents after telling them about the whole stalking ordeal. Theo later prints inappropriate images of Stacey and later sticks them around Albert Square. When Stacey finds out this, she goes next door to where Theo has moved to have it out with him, but he has left for court as Stacey has reported him to the police and is waiting to obtain a Stalking Protection Order against Theo. Theo later breaks into the house after being acquitted by the judge and attempts to rape Stacey, but Freddie finds him and attacks him with an iron as he is not coping with the idea of his father Graham Foster (Alex McSweeney) raping his mother Little Mo Mitchell (Kacey Ainsworth). Freddie is later arrested for attempted murder. Theo is then not seen until he asks Stacey to meet him before the trial; she asks him to plead guilty to make it right. He later does and is sentenced. == Debbie Colwell ==

Debbie Colwell (also Collins), portrayed by Jenny Meier, is the wife of Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman) who is in hospital under 24-hour care after experiencing a stroke in the bath, which left her with a bleed on the brain, unable to move or communicate. She first appeared in Episode 6694, Sonia changes her mind and reconciles with Reiss; they decide to visit Debbie and watch Pointless, where Reiss falls asleep. Debbie made a third appearance in Episode 6774, when Sonia's half-sister, Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) senses that Reiss is not being completely honest with his finances when she catches him asking Debbie for money. Reiss began to draw together a plan to sort out his finances after discovering that Sonia is now pregnant. he smothered Debbie with a pillow in what was described to be a "shocking twist". On 25 July 2024, it was announced that after Debbie's murder, EastEnders were going to introduce her parents. Nichola McAuliffe was cast as her mother, Brenda Collins, == George Knight ==

George Knight, played by Colin Salmon, first appears in episode 6708, originally broadcast on 1 June 2023. == Anna Knight ==

Anna Knight, played by Molly Rainford, first appears in episode 6708, originally broadcast on 1 June 2023. Rainford's casting was first reported on 1 March 2023, with the character and further details announced on 28 March 2023. Anna is introduced as part of the Knight family, who buy into The Queen Victoria pub, a focal setting in the soap. The family consist of patriarch George Knight (Colin Salmon), George's two daughters Gina Knight (Francesca Henry) and Anna, and their pet Chihuahua, Tyson. George's partner Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe), who is the mother of established character Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), is also introduced with the family. Anna is characterised as "fun, loveable, and big-hearted", but also someone not to be misjudged. Chris Clenshaw, the show's executive producer, explained that the family have been "bound together for years" and moving to the show's setting of Walford creates "the fresh-start the Knights are looking for". Rainford expressed her joy at joining the cast and commented, "it's an honour to bring the character Anna Knight to life who is set to stir up drama upon her arrival". Clenshaw expressed his delight at casting a "hugely talented group of actors" and looked forward to their first scenes airing. == Gina Knight ==

Gina Knight, played by Francesca Henry, first appears in episode 6708, originally broadcast on 1 June 2023. The character and Henry's casting details were announced on 28 March 2023. Gina is introduced as part of the Knight family, who buy into The Queen Victoria pub, a focal setting in the soap. The family consist of patriarch George Knight (Colin Salmon), George's two daughters Gina and Anna Knight (Molly Rainford), and their pet Chihuahua, Tyson. George's partner Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe), who is the mother of established character Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), is also introduced with the family. == Tyson ==

}} Tyson is the pet Chihuahua of the Knight family who first appears in episode 6714, originally broadcast on 1 June 2023. When Anna left the series in December 2025, she mentioned she had taken Tyson to live with her friend Felicia off-screen, though by this point it had been almost a year since Tyson had made an on-screen appearance. == Jasper Parrott ==

Jasper Parrott is the pet parrot of Tom "Rocky" Cotton (Brian Conley) who first appears in episode 6714, originally broadcast on 13 June 2023. Jasper, named after the comedian Jasper Carrott, has been living with Rocky's estranged wife, Jo Cotton (Vicki Michelle), since Rocky left her. During supposed divorce proceedings between the couple, Jo uses Jasper as a tool to hurt Rocky; Michelle commented, "She's out for vengeance!" Scriptwriter Sharon Marshall told Holly Willoughby and Craig Doyle on This Morning that there had been issues with the parrot swearing on-set, calling Conley inappropriate names and disrupting filming. Jo visits Rocky to hand him divorce papers and as she leaves, she mentions Jasper, shocking Rocky. Bobby Beale (Clay Milner Russell) overhears Rocky talking about Jo about "his boy" and assumes that Rocky has a son. He warns his grandmother, Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth), who is engaged to Rocky, about what he overheard. When Kathy confronts Rocky, he explains that Jasper is his parrot. Kathy then meets Jo and buys Jasper from her to surprise Rocky, who is delighted. == DS Miles ==

DS Miles, played by Samantha Seager, first appears in episode 6714, originally broadcast on 13 June 2023. The character and Seager's casting details were announced on 9 June 2023. DS Miles is introduced as the detective sergeant investigating Suki Panesar's (Balvinder Sopal) fall after her husband, Nish Panesar (Navin Chowdhry) is suspected of attacking her. The character arrives at "a pivotal time" in the story. Seager was contracted for "several" episodes. == Caz Johnston ==

Caz Johnston, played by Bryony Afferson, first appears in episode 6749, originally broadcast on 14 August 2023. Caz is introduced as a woman from Eve Unwin's (Heather Peace) backstory. Peace described the character as "the most shocking person [Eve] could bump into". Lewis Knight of the Radio Times reported that Caz would initially hide her identity from Eve, but when she reveals who she is, it would leave Eve "reeling". == Charli Slater ==

}} Charli Branning Slater made her first appearance in episode 6762, originally broadcast on 5 September 2023. She is introduced as the new-born daughter of established characters Lily Slater (Lillia Turner) and Ricky Branning (Frankie Day). The character was devised as part of a story exploring teenage pregnancy. Writers named the character after the singer Charli XCX, who tweeted about the reference with the caption, "Shout out to my gays [sic] in the writers room!". . Charli is conceived in December 2022 following a one-night stand between pre-teens Lily and Ricky. On New Year's Day 2023, Lily is admitted to hospital alongside her mother Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner), grandmother Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) and Stacey's wife, Eve Unwin (Heather Peace), with carbon monoxide poisoning following a house party. A doctor later informs Stacey that Lily has fallen pregnant at twelve years of age. Lily later names Ricky as the father. Lily considers terminating the pregnancy but decides against it after a heart-to-heart with Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace). In September 2023, 13-year-old Lily goes into labour whilst Stacey is held hostage in the kitchen after discovering the truth about her stalker Theo Hawthorne (William Ellis), and Charli is born at the Slater household after being delivered by Stacey and Jean. She is named after the singer Charli XCX and shares the name with her deceased relative Charlie Slater (Derek Martin). Lily struggles with motherhood at first, though continues to be guided by her mother Stacey and grandmother Jean. Lily becomes stressed and shouts at Charli, but is later comforted by Kat, who shares her own experience of when she became pregnant as a teenager with Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan). == Dorian Gates ==

Dorian Gates, played by Luke J I Smith, is a boxing promoter who is put in contact with Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), the owner of The Boxing Den boxing gym, by mutual friend George Knight (Colin Salmon). He first appeared in episode 6766, which originally aired on 12 September 2023. Dorian supports Sharon and George in arranging a "Pie, Pint and Punch Up" joint event between The Boxing Den and The Queen Victoria public house, which George owns. He disagrees with Sharon's business partner, Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), over his suggestion of using local boxers instead of his promising young boxers. Sharon updates Dorian on the plans for the event; she reminds him that they just need his fighters. He then reveals that he has a friend in Abu Dhabi who is looking for someone with experience to support him in setting up a gym there, and suggests Sharon considers it. The following day, Dorian presents Sharon with flowers and reveals that he has passed her phone number onto his friend in Abu Dhabi; he then invites her for a coffee date. Dorian returns two weeks later after Sharon learns that he fixed the boxing match; she refuses to pay his finder's fee. When Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters) interrupts their conversation with a baseball bat, Dorian warns Sharon that he will return with his heavies to receive his money. He returns that evening with the heavies; Sharon gives the money and warns him not to return. Dorian threatens Sharon with harm against her and her son, Albie Watts (Arthur Gentleman), if the police contact him. When Albie is abducted the following week, Keanu suggests that Dorian may be responsible. Sharon then meets Dorian, who reveals that the police searched his home and car; he assures her that he is not responsible and explains that he does not involve children in his business. == Nadine Keller ==

Nadine Keller, played by Jazzy Phoenix, first appears in episode 6769, originally broadcast on 18 September 2023. The character and Phoenix's casting details were announced on 12 September 2023. Although it was ruled out through Nadine's interactions with other characters, Borthwick liked the suggestion and thought it would have made an interesting plot. The story was developed further when Nadine introduces Jay to ketamine. In March 2024, Phoenix shared an image of her with Patsy Kensit, who portrayed Lola's mother Emma Harding, sparking speculation that the pair may be returning to EastEnders together. Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy then confirmed that Phoenix had reprised her role for a short stint. Nadine returns in April 2024 as part of a new story for Jay. The details of the story were kept under embargo. A twist in the story explains that Nadine is not pregnant and is scamming Jay for money. She is exposed and departs in episode 6902, originally broadcast on 2 May 2024. == Priya Nandra-Hart ==

Priya Nandra-Hart, played by Sophie Khan Levy, first appears in episode 6789 broadcast on 16 October 2023. The character and Khan Levy's casting details were announced on 21 September 2023. Priya is introduced as the former girlfriend of established character Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) and estranged mother of their son, Davinder "Nugget" Gulati (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury). The character was created alongside their daughter Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James), who arrives with her. In the character's backstory, Priya and Ravi shared a "doomed" relationship and after it ends, Priya learns that she is pregnant with Avani; Ravi does not know about his daughter upon their introduction. == Avani Nandra-Hart ==

Avani Nandra-Hart, played by Aaliyah James, first appears in episode 6790 broadcast on 17 October 2023. They go for a date in Peggy's wine bar – much to Avani and Ravi's dismay. Priya then arranges for the pair to have a date at home – they are disrupted by Ravi due to Avani's meddling in the situation. Avani tells Ravi that Priya is seriously ill so he would return home just before Martin arrives. They go on a second date in Walford East after Avani goes missing. The date is a disaster as Avani flirts with Martin, embarrasses Priya and then spills all of her drink jug over Martin. In July 2025, Avani suspects she is pregnant with the child of Joel Marshall (Max Murray) and confides in her friend Barney Mitchell (Lewis Bridgeman). Her step-grandmother Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal) coerces her into giving her child to Suki and her wife Eve Unwin (Heather Peace) for money and Avani initially agrees but later tells Eve she wants an abortion. Eve supports her throughout this decision but Priya and Ravi sharply rebuke Suki for her duplicity and Joel is furious and physically threatens Avani in the square only to be prevented by his father's partner Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig). == Pastor Clayton ==