EastEnders newcomer’s heartbreaking reason they accepted role: ‘I can’t be far from home’ | TV & Radio | Showbiz & TV

Fans of the BBC soap recently saw Elaine Peacock (played by Harriet Thorpe) arrive in Walford after becoming the new business owner of The Queen Vic alongside daughter Linda Carter (Kellie Bright).

Although unbeknownst to Linda, her mum has also invited her partner George Knight (Colin Salmon) and his two daughters Gina (Francesca Henry) and Anna (Molly Rainford).

Despite George being there to help run the pub, it’s clear his appearance has rustled a few feathers after being recognised by some of the residents.

Described as a tough-talking, fiercely protective, doting dad, George looks like someone not to be messed with as EastEnders viewers learn he’s a championship boxer.

Speaking ahead of his debut, actor Colin Salmon shared the reason he agreed to take on the role.

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The 60-year-old, who’s known for his role in the James Bond movies, confessed it’s all due to his partner.

He revealed: “My wife’s not well, so I can’t be far from home…and the universe has brought (me) something quite extraordinary.”

Colin’s wife, artist and illustrator Fiona Hawthorne, suffers from a rare condition called interstitial lung disease which has left her dependent on an oxygen tank.

The pair have been married for over three decades and share four children together, Sasha, Rudi, Eden and Ben.

Confessing that it was a “no brainer” to say yes to joining EastEnders, Colin revealed his character strikes up a friendship with soap veteran Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden).

He added: “Steve comes on set and Steve’s ready. Steve’s there and he’s quietly the boss.

“We had our phone call, I think the opening line is ‘You’re mad’, closely followed by ‘Get a bike’.

“Because (in) that way you can get in and out quite easily. My wife just went: ‘Is he mad?”‘

Although Phil will be a close ally to George in the square, the same can’t be said about his partner’s daughter Linda, who has her doubts.

Actress Kellie Bright admitted that as Linda’s been left terrified of Janine, she doesn’t trust anyone, especially George.

The soap star said: “As far as she’s concerned, her mum does not know (George) nearly well enough.

“So, she’s starting from that place, so there’s no openness.”

EastEnders continues Mondays-Thursday on BBC One from 7:30pm.