EastEnders Welcomes the Knight Family: A New Era Begins in Walford

The arrival of the Knight family in EastEnders marked one of the most highly anticipated shake-ups in the show’s recent history. When George Knight and his two daughters, Gina and Anna, arrived in Walford and moved into the Queen Vic pub in June 2023, it signaled the beginning of a new chapter—not just for the iconic pub, but for the entire Square.

The family patriarch, George Knight, played by acclaimed actor Colin Salmon, brings with him a commanding presence and a mysterious past. A former boxer turned businessman, George quickly establishes himself as a force to be reckoned with. Though charming and protective, there’s a quiet tension about him that suggests there’s more than meets the eye. His arrival isn’t just about buying into the Queen Vic—it’s about starting fresh, or perhaps hiding something from his past.

Alongside him are his daughters: Gina (Francesca Henry), the sharp, no-nonsense older sister, and Anna (Molly Rainford), the more optimistic and sensitive younger sibling. The sisters bring contrasting energy to Walford—Gina with her sarcasm and skepticism, Anna with her warmth and vulnerability. Despite their differences, their bond is undeniable, and viewers quickly became invested in their dynamic.

The Knight family arrive thanks to Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe), Linda Carter’s mother, who buys into the Queen Vic and brings George and his daughters on board as her business partners and housemates. Linda, still grieving the loss of Mick Carter and struggling to run the pub on her own, is blindsided by her mother’s decision. She had no idea Elaine had such a big surprise up her sleeve—and the shock of seeing a new family move into her home and workplace adds fuel to an already emotional fire.

From the moment the Knights walk into the Queen Vic, tensions flare. Linda finds it hard to accept that strangers now hold keys to her family’s legacy. George, on the other hand, is determined to make the Queen Vic a success and refuses to let Linda’s hostility get in his way. While Elaine tries to play peacemaker between her daughter and her new partner, it’s clear that a clash of personalities is inevitable.

The move also stirs up secrets and long-buried emotions. Questions begin to arise about George’s late wife and the circumstances surrounding his past. Is he being completely honest about why he left his old life behind? And what exactly does he hope to find—or forget—in Walford? There are hints that George’s past could catch up with him, especially as the daughters begin forming connections of their own in the Square.

Anna, for instance, quickly captures attention with her sincerity and charm. Her desire to find a sense of belonging leads her into storylines involving romance, loyalty, and identity. Gina, meanwhile, remains guarded, often acting as her father’s protector and keeping her emotions in check. But her hard shell starts to crack as she too becomes entangled in the complicated lives of the Walford residents.