List of EastEnders characters (2019)


The following is a list of characters introduced to the BBC soap opera EastEnders in 2019, by order of first appearance. The characters are introduced by the show's executive consultant, John Yorke, or his successors, senior executive producer, Kate Oates, and executive producer, Jon Sen. The first character to be introduced is Bailey Baker, the daughter of Mitch Baker. She is followed by her mother [|Dinah Wilson] who is introduced the following month. Sisters [|Iqra Ahmed] and Habiba Ahmed, the granddaughters of Arshad Ahmed and Mariam Ahmed are also introduced in February. Danny Hardcastle and [|Midge], associates of Phil Mitchell, are introduced next, followed by Chantelle Atkins, the daughter of Karen Taylor and Mitch Baker. Chantelle is joined by her husband Gray Atkins and her children [|Mia] Atkins and [|Mackenzie] Atkins. Later, [|Brooke] is introduced as a love interest for Bernadette Taylor. In June, [|Daniel Cook] joined, later followed by Jonno Highway, the father of Callum Highway and Stuart Highway. In August, the wife of Patrick Trueman, Sheree Trueman was introduced as well as Ash Kaur, the girlfriend of Iqra. In September, Tom Wells joined the cast as [|Leo King], the son of Tony King and Wanda Baptiste as Sheree's mother. October saw the introductions of brothers [|Jags] Panesar, [|Kheerat] Panesar and [|Vinny] Panesar.

Bailey Baker

Bailey Baker, played by Kara-Leah Fernandes, first appears in episode 5847, which was first broadcast on 10 January 2019.
Bailey is a girl who is in Mitch Baker's van when drug addict [|Craig] tries to break in. She hits him over the head and then Mitch arrives, telling Bailey to keep quiet but she says she is bored so he says he will get her a football to play with. Mick Carter sees Bailey sitting with the ball on the street and when she says it is boring on her own, he says he used to spend hours kicking a ball against a wall. Bailey decides to kick the ball against the wall of Mick's pub, The Queen Victoria, but she smashes an upstairs window. Mick, his wife, Linda Carter, Mitch, his son Keegan Baker and Keegan's mother, Karen Taylor all arrive but when Karen tells Bailey to leave, Mitch is forced to say she is with him. Mitch tells Karen that Bailey is his friend's daughter, and takes Bailey to a football training session. However, after Karen looks after Bailey, Bailey asks Mitch why she is not allowed to tell people that he is her father.
When Bailey returns home from a football game, she is shown to be a young carer for her mother, Dinah Wilson, who is suffering from multiple sclerosis. When the Taylor family find out, they pledge to help out, and encourage Bailey to seek help from a care organisation. When Dinah commits suicide, Bailey moves in with Karen and her children. Bailey overhears a conversation between Karen and Mitch, where she discovers that Karen knew Dinah was going to kill herself. She holds a grudge against Karen for a number of weeks, until Karen buys her a star in honour of her mother.
Bailey was called a "mystery newcomer" by Sophie Dainty from Digital Spy.

Dinah Wilson

Dinah Wilson, played by Anjela Lauren Smith, makes her first appearance in episode 5869, broadcast on 14 February 2019. Dinah is the ex-girlfriend of Mitch Baker and mother to his daughter Bailey Baker. It is soon discovered that Dinah suffers from multiple sclerosis and is looked after by Bailey.
Mitch reveals to his ex-girlfriend Karen Taylor that Dinah suffers from multiple sclerosis and that Bailey is her carer. Karen, Mitch and their two children Keegan Baker and Chantelle Atkins help Bailey to clean her flat and Dinah becomes friends with Karen. Unbeknownst to Bailey, Dinah's condition is getting worse and she tells Keegan. Dinah's health decline becomes apparent when she has an accident and is rushed to hospital. The Taylors later rent a room for Dinah and Bailey at 23A Albert Square so that Dinah can have more assistance. Dinah and Karen become closer and Dinah confides in Karen that she can no longer deal with her multiple sclerosis and wants Karen to help her end her life. Karen refuses and reaches out to Darren, a man with multiple sclerosis so that he can speak to Dinah. Darren tells Karen that he used to be depressed but now he enjoys his life and agrees to speak to Dinah the following week. However, Dinah refuses and tells Karen that she doesn't want her condition to ruin her life and that she wants to be there for Bailey.
Unknown to Karen, Dinah plans on ending her own life and buys birthday cards where she writes her final messages to Bailey. Karen discovers this, but Dinah breaks down and reveals that she is scared she will not be able to survive any longer and Karen encourages her to not let her condition negatively impact her life any more. Dinah spends time with Bailey and the following day, Dinah seems better and thanks Karen for her help. Karen decides to take Bailey on a family trip to Walford Park, but Dinah decides to stay at home and says her last goodbye to Bailey. After she finishes writing her last birthday cards to Bailey, Dinah commits suicide and her body is discovered by Mitch.

Habiba Ahmed

Habiba Ahmed, played by Rukku Nahar, makes her first appearance in episode 5871, originally broadcast on 19 February 2019. She is introduced alongside her sister, Iqra Ahmed, as the granddaughters of Arshad Ahmed and Mariam Ahmed.
Habiba arrives at Albert square along with her sister Iqra. They convince their uncle Masood that they can run Walford East which he agrees and leaves Walford for Tamwar's wedding. She spots Adam Bateman and begin an affair while he is in a relationship with Honey Mitchell. Adam constantly lets her down and shows that he doesn't love her. After realising that Adam has no intention of leaving Honey for her, she threatens him and ends their affair. The Ahmeds celebrate Eid where Adam and Iqra threaten each other and reveals that Iqra has a secret lover. Habiba is shocked at this, and confronts Iqra, who reveals that she is a lesbian. After having a heart to heart with Honey, Habiba feels sympathy towards her and warns her about Adam. To make Honey see sense, she reveals her affair with Adam while they were preparing a meal for Mariam after discovering she was mugged. Iqra, tired of her grandad favouritism of Adam, reveals Habiba's affair with Adam. Adam notices Ashard acting strange with him, so he asks Habiba what did she tell him. She reveals to Adam that she and Iqra told him everything about their affair. Her grandparents leave the square and sees Adam looking and confronts him calling a lonely old man and that he will never find love. She is hired by Iqra to find out if ian was the reason why her business is getting shut down which turns out to be true when she finds information that dotty and Ian sabotaged Iqra and Keegan business. After Iqra and Leo blackmail ian, their business is saved.
The character and Nahar's casting were announced on 20 December 2018, along with that of Habiba's sister, Iqra. Both characters were called "feisty" and a BBC announcement stated that the "Defiant, smart and confident" sisters would "quickly make an impact on Walford". Habiba is described as "full of heart" and "bubbly", and she has "the best intentions" but it was said that "trouble never seems to be too far behind". Nahar said of her casting, "I'm so excited to have joined EastEnders, it's a show I've grown up watching and stepping onto Albert Square is just unreal! Habiba is great fun to play and I'm so happy to be working alongside Priya. Can't wait for you all to see what we get up to on the Square." Davdra confirmed on social media that the characters would appear from February 2019.

Iqra Ahmed

Iqra Ahmed, played by Priya Davdra, makes her first appearance in episode 5871, originally broadcast on 19 February 2019. She is introduced alongside her sister, Habiba Ahmed, as the granddaughters of Arshad Ahmed and Mariam Ahmed.
Iqra is in a relationship with Ash Kaur, and is the first Muslim lesbian to be featured on EastEnders.

Danny Hardcastle

Danny Hardcastle, played by Paul Usher, made his first appearance in episode 5890, originally broadcast on 25 March 2019. Danny is introduced as a business associate of Phil Mitchell, as well as being involved with Keanu Taylor. It was announced on 6 March 2019 that the character would appear for a "short period over the spring". Danny was introduced on 25 March 2019 and returned on 16 March 2020.
Danny is an acquaintance of Phil Mitchell who has a connection to garages used for money laundering in Spain, which leads Phil into liquidation. He arrives in Walford to tell Phil that he needs to come up with an alternate way to launder money, after the business of the garages collapsed. Phil's son Ben Mitchell decides to meet up with Danny and threaten him into going into business with him. As revenge, Danny sends Midge to befriend Phil's daughter Louise Mitchell and kidnap her. Louise gets trapped in a container and is due to be taken into sex trade in Odessa, but the Mitchell's manage to rescue her. Phil confronts Danny and Danny reveals that it was a warning to Ben who threatened him and Danny insults him, causing Ben to almost attack him with a glassed cup. Danny later gives Phil another job offer, but Phil refuses and warns Danny never to contact him again.

Midge

Midge, played by Tom Colley, makes his first appearance in episode 5891, broadcast on 26 March 2019. He bumps into Louise Mitchell, causing her to spill coffee on herself. He offers to make it up to her but she declines. He later sees Keanu Taylor and when he sees Louise again, she sits with him and introduces Keanu to Midge, who says his name is short for Miguel as his mother is Spanish. Midge then meets with Louise's father, Phil Mitchell, who tells Midge not to mess around. It is revealed that Midge is a rival business owner of Phil's in Spain, that Phil stole business from when he set up garages in Spain and had Keanu working for him. Midge tells Phil he needs compensation and threatens Louise. Phil goes to hit Midge but Keanu stops him. Keanu then tells Phil that Midge was one of the people who tried to kill him in Spain. Some time later, Midge sees Louise in the pub and says it is nice to see her again. He then calls someone to say he has made contact with "the target" and in 24 hours "she will be history". The next day, Midge realises that Keanu is protecting Louise but after Louise and Keanu argue, he sits with Louise and when Keanu tried to find Louise, he sees Midge and some other men forcing her into a car and driving away at speed. Keanu informs Phil of what he has seen and Phil realises that Louise is being taken to a shipping container yard. Midge has his associates tie Louise's legs up and gag her and he threatens to throw acid in her face if she does not do as she is told, telling her that the shipping container is destined for Odessa, Ukraine. However, when Louise is tied up, Midge reveals it was water, not acid. Midge then locks her in the container. When Keanu finds Louise, Midge knocks him out and locks them both in the container. When Phil arrives, he attacks Midge and demands to know where Louise is. Midge almost overpowers Phil but Phil overpowers Midge and finds out where Louise is.
The character and Colley's casting were announced on 19 March 2019. Midge is described as "thug", "dodgy" and "nasty".

Chantelle Atkins

Chantelle Atkins, played by Jessica Plummer, is the daughter of Karen Taylor and Mitch Baker. Chantelle first appears in Episode 5891, originally broadcast on 26 March 2019.
It was announced on 20 December 2018 that the character would be joining the series in 2019, when senior executive producer Kate Oates commented, "The Taylor family are set to be complete when Chantelle arrives in Walford and Chantelle certainly has that feisty Taylor streak. Things are set to get a whole lot louder in Walford in 2019." Casting for the character was still taking place at the time. On 5 March 2019, it was announced that Plummer would be playing Chantelle. The rest of her family's casting was announced on 11 March 2019. Of her casting, Plummer said, "Just like the majority of the UK, I grew up watching EastEnders. It’s an absolute honour to be joining the cast with all my childhood favourites... Rickaaaaaaaay." In 2019, she became one of the show's protagonists when she starts to be abused by Gray.
On 12 July 2019, it was revealed that Chantelle is suffering domestic violence at the hands of her husband, Gray Atkins, with EastEnders working closely with Women's Aid in order to portray the issue sensitively and accurately.
Chantelle arrives in Walford as a hairdresser who Kim Fox contacts to work as a new hairdresser in her and her sister Denise Fox's new unisex salon. Chantelle does not actually know that she is auditioning for a job as she presumes that she was cutting someone's hair and that was all. Kim later offers Chantelle the job; she refuses at first, but then later agrees to help at the salon, but only part-time. During celebratory drinks in The Queen Victoria public house, Chantelle bumps into her father Mitch Baker who she has not seen for a long time. Chantelle later meets her mother Karen Taylor and reconnects with her family. On the opening day of the salon, Chantelle gives a haircut to a man and he gives them £100. She crosses the man again in The Queen Vic and kisses him, and it is revealed that he is her husband Gray Atkins. With Gray's permission, Chantelle agrees to work at the salon and they plan on relocating to Walford with their children Mia and Mackenzie. Chantelle boasts about moving to 1 Albert Square, unaware that Kim once lived there with her estranged husband Vincent Hubbard, which causes hostility between the two women. Chantelle and Kim resolve their differences, but their feud ignites again when they argue over attending to Rainie Branning.
Chantelle and Gray's perfect relationship attracts attention in Walford. Chantelle's friend Whitney Dean compliments her relationship with Gray and asks her for advice on her relationship to Callum "Halfway" Highway ; Honey Mitchell also compliments the couple and Chantelle's family warm up to Gray. However, the relationship turns out to be the opposite as it is revealed that Gray abuses Chantelle, which is first seen when Gray becomes angry at Mitch for cheating at the Walford 10K run and accuses Chantelle of laughing at him. Gray apologises to Chantelle and she later forgives him. Chantelle's brother Keegan Baker stays with the couple and, after becoming inspired by someone from Gray's workplace, decides that he wants to leave school. This causes a fight between Mitch and Gray, and Gray abuses Chantelle in response to his anger.
Chantelle discovers she is pregnant and tells Gray. He reacts positively to the news and stops abusing her. She miscarries but decides not to tell Gray in fear of him abusing her. When he finds out Gray and Chantelle start to attending counselling sessions together even though she finds out he was involved in a fight. Gray suggests Chantelle and him try for another baby and reluctantly she agrees, the two of them also decide to renew their vows, however the venue pulls out the day before and although Chantelle says she does not want to renew their vows yet, Gray organises a surprise one at their home. After this, he says she vowed to do things for him and leads her upstairs against her will, saying they must try for a baby straight away.

Gray Atkins

Gray Atkins, played by Toby-Alexander Smith, is the husband of Chantelle Atkins.
The character and Smith's casting were announced on 11 March 2019. Gray is described as a "hard-working solicitor in London whose success took Chantelle away from Taylor Towers years earlier". Smith said of his casting, "I'm delighted to be joining the cast of EastEnders as I've always been a fan. I'm looking forward to seeing what Albert Square has in store for Gray." Gray made his first appearance on 29 March 2019. On 12 July 2019, it was revealed that Gray domestically abuses Chantelle, with EastEnders working closely with Women's Aid in order to portray the issue sensitively and accurately.

Mia Atkins

Mia Atkins, played by Mahalia Malcolm, is the daughter of Chantelle Atkins and Gray Atkins. The character and casting were announced on 11 March 2019. Mia made her first appearance on 12 April.

Mackenzie Atkins

Mackenzie Atkins, played by Isaac Lemonius, is the son of Chantelle Atkins and Gray Atkins. The character and casting were announced on 11 March 2019. Mackenzie made his first appearance on 12 April.

Brooke

Brooke, played by Ria Lopez, is a friend of Bernadette Taylor. She is introduced as the older sister of Bailey Baker's friend, [|Alyssa]. Brooke and Bernadette bond over their interest in the same band, and afterwards, Bernadette's friend, Tiffany Butcher gets Brooke's phone number and gives it to Bernadette. Bernadette later messages Brooke, asking her on a date at Walford East, accompanied by Tiffany and Keegan Baker. Brooke and Bernadette arrange to meet again. Brooke later breaks up with Bernadette, so Tiffany asks to meet her in McKlunky's. Upon Tiffany asking why she broke up with her, Brooke reveals that Bernadette is in love with Tiffany.

Daniel Cook

Daniel Cook, played by Adrian Edmondson, is a love interest of Jean Slater. The character and Edmondson's casting were announced on 9 May 2019. He began appearing on 25 June 2019.
Daniel is seen at Walford General, being difficult with the nurses and he is seen by Jean Slater and her daughter, Stacey Fowler. He later approaches Jean and attempts to initiate a conversation, but accidentally makes an offensive comment which causes Jean to slap him. Stacey later confronts him about making Jean angry. Daniel continues to be seen each time Jean makes a visit to the hospital and they start to grow close. In September 2019, Daniel reveals that his cancer has returned and is now terminal, and Jean promises to care for him. As her feelings for Daniel begin to blossom, and she gets excited about introducing him to Stacey, Jean receives a call from Daniel's neighbour saying that Daniel has died, having been discovered at his home. Jean attends his memorial alongside Kush Kazemi, but it is revealed that Daniel faked his own death because he felt that he was getting too emotionally involved with Jean and did not want to put her through the pain of watching him die slowly. Two months later, Kush visits the hospital to give some magazines on Jean's behalf and bumps into Daniel. He persuades him to come back to Walford and tell Jean the truth but he refuses. Kush gives up and says goodbye.
On Christmas Day, Daniel returns to Walford contemplating telling Jean the truth when he discovers the Panesar brothers demanding back rent money from the Slaters in exchange for them not being evicted from their house. He quickly pays for the rent himself and re-introduces himself to Jean, who is furious at him for faking his death. She asks him for an explanation as to why he did it; he admits that it is because he was falling in love with her and knowing she was falling for him as well, he did not want her to go through the pain of saying goodbye to him on his deathbed. Touched, she kisses him passionately and assures him she will help him live out the rest of his time as fulfilling as possible. Daniel and Jean prank funeral directors Rainie Branning and Stuart Highway into thinking he is dying and wants a lavish funeral, guilt tripping them into giving them a ride in a horse driven carriage. However, when Daniel laters discovers he has weeks to live, he arranges a real funeral with Rainie.
When Daniel's condition worsens, he refuses going into a hospice, and promises Jean that he will hold onto his life until she is cancer free. Jean goes to an appointment accompanied by Mo Harris, and finds out her cancer has gone. When Daniel asks about the appointment, she tells him that they have not got her results yet. However, Mo reveals that Jean is cancer free. The pair sit on a bench together, and he sends her away to get a hot chocolate; when she returns, Daniel has died.

Jonno Highway

Jonno Highway, played by Richard Graham, is the father of Stuart Highway and Callum "Halfway" Highway. Jonno began appearing as a guest on 1 July 2019.
Jonno is first seen after being contacted by his son Callum's fiancé, Whitney Dean. He has a disagreement with Ben Mitchell over gay pride and is confronted by his father, Phil. It is revealed that Jonno was not a good father to Callum or Stuart and would be violent towards Stuart. He reveals that he has changed and attempts to reconcile with his family. Jonno confronts Ben in the toilets and expresses his disgust with homosexuals, causing a fight between him and Ben. Jonno's true colours are exposed and Stuart threatens him out of Walford. Jonno returns two months later, wanting to find out how Callum's wedding went. When he discovers that the wedding was called off he confronts Callum about it, and Callum comes out as gay to his father. Disgusted, Jonno accuses Ben of turning him into "one of them", earning himself a punch from Phil in return.

Sheree Trueman

Sheree Trueman, played by Suzette Llewellyn, is the third wife of Patrick Trueman. The character and Llewellyn's casting were announced on 18 June 2019. Sheree made her first appearance on 2 August 2019.
Sheree arrives in Walford with Patrick after his return from Trinidad where they reveal that they are now married. It is explained that Sheree has known Patrick for a long time. Denise Fox, finds herself unable to trust her, and is left concerned for Patrick's wellbeing whilst being annoyed by her antics at their salon. After Ted Murray accidentally kisses Sheree in The Queen Victoria, Sheree arranges for Ted to meet her mother Wanda Baptiste. This results in Ted deciding to leave Walford with her but, as they are leaving, Sheree reveals to Denise that Wanda had previously faced questions from the police over the death of her last husband. Denise's worries increase with the discovery of a voicemail from Ted appearing to show him panicking, and she confronts Sheree about her mother. Sheree dismisses the allegations of her mother harming Ted, who is later revealed to be fine, but Denise remains convinced that something isn't right with her and remains adamant to find out what.
Denise overhears Sheree on the phone to a man named Isaac, and assumes that she is cheating on Patrick. Denise confronts her and tells her to leave. However, when Isaac turns up in Walford, it is revealed that he is Sheree's son.

Shyanna

Shyanna, played by Anita Harris, appears on 26 August 2019. The character and Harris's casting were announced on 9 August 2019.
Shyanna is a psychic who Bailey Baker contacts to feel closer to her deceased mother, Dinah Wilson. Although Bailey's half-siblings, Chantelle Atkins and Keegan Baker, tell Bailey that psychics do not exist and it is a con, Bailey still wants to try. Shyanna explains that Dinah can only speak through her and says that Dinah is sorry for how she died and is free of her struggles. Shyanna says that Bailey has found a new family and spent a lot of time alone with Dinah before that. Bailey asks what Dinah's favourite colour was, to which Shyanna says blue. Bailey says Dinah hated the colour blue and says she made lucky guesses based on what she had found out about Bailey. Bailey says it was a waste of her time and leaves. Shyanna then asks Chantelle for payment and tells her that her home has a "vibe" that Chantelle cannot fight alone and if she does, things will get "very dark". Shyanna then leaves.

Ash Kaur

Ash Kaur, played by Gurlaine Kaur Garcha, made her first appearance on 29 August 2019. Ash is introduced as the bisexual Sikh girlfriend of Iqra Ahmed, with whom she has been in a relationship with for over a year. Ash's identity was kept a secret due to Iqra being entered into an arranged marriage with a man. In August 2019, Iqra introduces Ash to Arshad and Mariam Ahmed, where she explains that Ash is a doctor. When the pair are in the club, Iqra introduces Ash as a friend which bothers Ash. When she brings up her annoyance with it, Iqra pulls her into a kiss in front of the Walford residents. In October 2019, it is revealed that Ash is the sister of Kheerat, Jags and Vinny. Vinny tells Ash that their mother is dying from cancer, to which she refuses to visit her. It is then revealed that when she was 19, Ash had an abortion which Kheerat disagrees with. As part of a "wife swap" event, Ash stays with Honey Mitchell for a few days. During her time there, she notices that Honey has an eating disorder, and encourages to get professional help. She later witnesses Honey throw Adam out, who is revealed to have known about her eating disorder but didn't care. Ash stops Iqra from getting involved, and the pair cheer for Honey for standing up for herself when she confronts Adam. When Kheerat, Jags and Vinny move into a house in Walford, Kheerat tries to make amends with Ash. He apologises for disagreeing with her abortion, but when she introduces him to Iqra, he disapproves of Ash dating a Muslim.
On her casting, Garcha said "I am thrilled to be a part of the Panesar family! Punjabi families are full of character, really loving and caring so I’m excited to be involved in portraying that to the nation. I do think there is a shortage for representation of Punjabi families especially on TV so it’s amazing to be a member of Walford’s first Punjabi family." Initially only hired as a guest star during the summer of 2019, Garcha's contract was upgraded for her to become a series regular. Garcha expressed her delight to play a bisexual character, stating: "It is nice to know when someone can relate to your role and storyline. It is very rewarding as an actor when you feel like you're helping people and then giving them a sense of comfort, so they know they are not alone". Garcha stated that her most memorable part of starting filming on EastEnders was her scene in The Queen Victoria, describing it as a "famous landmark that is part of our television culture. She added that Ash's future storylines are "very exciting", with "lots of drama".

Leo King

Leo King, played by Tom Wells, makes his first appearance on 3 September 2019. He was unnamed until episode 5990 on 9 September 2019. Details of the character and storyline were also announced on the same day. Leo is the son of paedophile Tony King, who abused Whitney Dean as a child. Wells expressed his delight in joining the cast, adding, "I'm really excited to be joining the EastEnders team and seeing what's in store for Leo". Wells also commented that "He's definitely a man not to be trusted". Executive producer Jon Sen also added "Bianca's return sparks a gripping new story with the arrival of Leo King – a dark and misguided figure who has grown up with the stigma of being the son of a convicted paedophile. We are thrilled to welcome Tom to the Square, knowing he will bring depth and complexity to the role of Leo, a man who believes his father has been wronged and who will also go to great lengths to prove it". The character was killed-off in February 2020; his departure had not been announced beforehand. On-screen, Whitney stabs Leo in self defence after he tries attacking her with a knife.
Leo first appears as a guest at Whitney's wedding to Callum "Halfway" Highway. He talks to Whitney's stepsister, Tiffany Butcher, and proceeds into pecking her cheek, which is witnessed by Tiffany's mother Bianca Jackson. Bianca warns Leo to stay away. However, Leo arrives in Walford and begins menacing Bianca. It is revealed that he is the son of Bianca's ex-boyfriend Tony and believes that Whitney had lied about Tony sexually abusing her. He threatens Bianca about money his grandmother had left him and threatens to hurt both Whitney and Tiffany if he does not receive the money.
Whitney returns to Walford and announces that she been talking to a new man. The man is revealed to be Leo and he picks her up in his car. Leo and Whitney's fling continues, however Whitney introduces him to Tiffany whom he had kissed during Whitney's wedding. Tiffany reveals his identity, but Whitney continues to meet with him. Whilst in E20, Whitney confides with Leo about her past relationships and he tries to push for more information about her relationship with his father, but he fails to get it. Soon afterwards Whitney tells him that she is not after a relationship. In an attempt to drive Whitney and Callum apart, Leo finds a video of Callum doing nothing when his friend attempts to rape an unconscious girl at a party.
Leo confronts Whitney on a balcony, and when Kush Kazemi sees them, he goes to help Whitney, but accidentally pushes Leo over the balcony. While in hospital, Whitney visits him in the hope that he will not press charges against Kush. He finds a notebook in her bag, detailing all of their interactions. Leo makes Whitney go into the pub and tell everyone that Tony was innocent, and leaves. He begins hiding in Whitney's loft, spying on her from a hole in the ceiling. When she is alone, he confronts her, and the pair fight, ending in Whitney stabbing him in self defence. His dead body is left on her kitchen floor.

Wanda Baptiste

Wanda Baptiste, played by Anni Domingo, is the mother of Sheree Trueman. Upon Wanda's arrival, Sheree arranges a date between her Ted Murray. Wanda later announces that she has booked a ticket to go travelling for a year, and has a spare ticket, to which Ted agrees to accompany her. When the pair are gone, Sheree reveals that Wanda's ex-husband died under mysterious pretences, concerning Denise Fox.

Charlie "Tubbs" Savage

Charlie "Tubbs" Savage, played by Tayla Kovacevic-Ebong, is an associate of Ben Mitchell. Tubbs is a loan shark who shared a cell with Ben when he was imprisoned for the murder of Heather Trott. When Ben sees Tubbs loaning Karen Taylor money, Ben asks Tubbs to keep him informed as his sister, Louise Mitchell, is engaged to Karen's eldest son, Keanu Taylor. Tubbs, alongside Martin Fowler, raid the house of a woman who owes money. Tubbs and Martin realize that they have been set up and Martin brutally attacks one of the men. Tubbs and Ben are arrested when Martin confesses to Jack Branning that they have been operating in illegal activities. As revenge, Ben orders Tubbs and his gang to torment Martin and they dangle him over a railway bridge. When Ben's boyfriend Callum "Halfway" Highway decides to become a police officer, Ben quits organised crime, and hands over the business to Tubbs, who rehires Martin.

Jags Panesar

Jagvier “Jags” Panesar, played by Amar Adatia, made his first appearance on 4 October 2019. He is the second eldest of the three Panesar brothers, the others being Kheerat and Vinny. The family is described as a British Asian family of Punjabi Sikh heritage. The character and Adatia's casting were announced on 21 August 2019. Jags is described as someone who "has always struggled in the shadow of his older brother and despite his best intentions, nothing ever seems to go to plan for try-hard Jags leaving Kheerat and the rest of the family constantly unimpressed." Producer Jon Sen said of the family "The Panesar family are set arrive this autumn and will bring their own unique blend of charm and chaos onto the Square. A British Asian family of Punjabi Sikh heritage, Kheerat, Jags and Vinny are three very different brothers who turn up in Walford looking to settle a score – however, fate quickly takes a hand and they find themselves staying for good. We’re thrilled to be introducing this vibrant new family to Walford and to be sharing their stories." Of his casting, Adatia said, "My younger self would never have believed I’d be on EastEnders. It’s pretty amazing to be part of one of the most iconic television shows alongside some of the best actors in the business. I really am so grateful."
Jags and Kheerat first arrive in Walford to confront Ben Mitchell after he steals Kheerat's car. They threaten him with retaliation unless the car is returned to them. When Ben fails to deliver, Jags kidnaps Lola Pearce, though he is berated by Kheerat for this and later lets her go after Ben comes to meet them and promises to repay them. A few weeks later, the brothers arrive on the Square in search of their sister Ash Kaur. While there, Jags notices Chantelle Atkins stood at a bus stop, and tells Kheerat that he used to have a crush on her at school, and that they went on a date.

Kheerat Panesar

Kheerat Panesar, played by Jaz Deol, made his first appearance on 4 October 2019. He is the eldest of three brothers, the others being Jags and Vinny. The family is described as a British Asian family of Punjabi Sikh heritage. The character and Deol's casting were announced on 21 August 2019. Kheerat is described as a "successful businessman who knows exactly what he wants and how to get it" and that he "uses his persuasiveness and charm to his advantage in every situation" Producer Jon Sen said of the family "The Panesar family are set arrive this autumn and will bring their own unique blend of charm and chaos onto the Square. A British Asian family of Punjabi Sikh heritage, Kheerat, Jags and Vinny are three very different brothers who turn up in Walford looking to settle a score – however, fate quickly takes a hand and they find themselves staying for good. We’re thrilled to be introducing this vibrant new family to Walford and to be sharing their stories." Of his casting, Deol said, "I’m very proud and excited to be joining such an iconic show and bringing to life a character that is a reflection of the cultural background that I and many others come from in today’s modern Britain. I can’t wait to get started and for viewers to meet the Panesars."
Kheerat and Jags first arrive in Walford to confront Ben Mitchell after he steals Kheerat's car. They threaten retaliation unless the car is returned. When Ben fails to deliver, Jags kidnaps Lola Pearce, but Kheerat berates him for this and later agrees to let her go after Ben promises to repay them. Kheerat threatens Ben's daughter Lexi Pearce as they are leaving. A few weeks later, the Panesar brothers arrive on the Square in search of their sister Ash Kaur. Kheerat reveals that Ash had an abortion years ago, disapproving of her actions and accusing her of "murdering her own baby". When Kheerat, Jags and Vinny move into a flat belonging to Adam Bateman, Kheerat attempts to make amends with Ash. He apologises for disagreeing with her abortion, but upon discovering Ash's girlfriend, Iqra Ahmed, is a Muslim, he expresses more disapproval with Ash.

Vinny Panesar

Vinny Panesar, played by Shiv Jalota, made his first appearance on 29 October 2019. He is the youngest of the Panesar brothers, the others being Kheerat and Jags. The family is described as a British Asian family of Punjabi Sikh heritage. The character and Jalota's casting were announced on 21 August 2019. Vinny is described as "the golden boy of the family; he’s sweet, bright and has been indulged since the day he was born. However people shouldn’t be fooled by Vinny’s innocent exterior, he’s no angel and it’s safe to say trouble is often close by." Producer Jon Sen said of the family "The Panesar family are set arrive this autumn and will bring their own unique blend of charm and chaos onto the Square. A British Asian family of Punjabi Sikh heritage, Kheerat, Jags and Vinny are three very different brothers who turn up in Walford looking to settle a score – however, fate quickly takes a hand and they find themselves staying for good. We’re thrilled to be introducing this vibrant new family to Walford and to be sharing their stories." Of his casting, Jalota said, "It still hasn’t sunk in that I’m going to be on EastEnders. As a young boy, I remember being introduced to the Masood family and thinking there are people like me on television. To be part of that next generation of people representing my identity is a blessing. I couldn’t be more excited."
Vinny arrives on the Square with his brothers in search of their sister Ash Kaur. Vinny eventually tracks her down, and reveals to her that their mother is dying of cancer. Ash refuses to visit because of how she was treated by her and Vinny expresses upset at Ash cutting him out of her life when she left home.

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