EastEnders has announced the introduction of Teddy Mitchell’s estranged wife Nicola, in a recent BBC soap update. The character of Nicola has been cast and the actress portraying her has shared insights about the role.
She may be recognisable to audiences, having appeared in numerous shows, including a previous stint on the BBC soap. Laura Doddington, who has had roles in Doctors, Holby City, Casualty, The Bill and The Midwich Cuckoos, will play Nicola. Laura has also featured in several Doctor Who spin-offs and podcasts.
She is set to return to Walford 15 years after her last appearance on the show in 2009, where she played a character named Barbara in scenes with Zainab Masood and Masood Ahmed.
In her new role, Laura will become part of the Mitchell family, revealed as Teddy’s mystery ex-wife and mother to his sons Barney and Harry Mitchell, reports the Mirror.
Teddy is in for a surprise when the character he’s seemingly been avoiding seeks him out. After weeks of hints about a mysterious individual trying to locate him, could it be his wife Nicola and what does she want?
It appears the newcomer is here to stay, refusing to leave and eager to reconcile with her children. More details are expected to emerge about their past and why they aren’t currently speaking.
Actress Laura expressed her excitement about joining the cast of EastEnders, saying: “I still can’t believe I’ve joined EastEnders I keep pinching myself! I grew up watching the show, so the first time I filmed in The Vic, I was like a kid at Christmas to be in such an iconic place with such a brilliant cast and crew.”
Describing her character, she added: “Nicola is a complex woman who comes in like the Tasmanian Devil! She’s strong and completely unapologetic about who she is. I’ve been so lucky to have my Mitchell boys, Roland, Elijah and Lewis, as they’ve taken me under their wing, and we feel like a family already. I’m loving every second so far.”
EastEnders’ executive producer Chris Clenshaw shared his thoughts on the new addition: “Like all the great Mitchell women, Nicola is feisty, strong and loves her family.
“She and Teddy share a very complicated history, which will be fun to explore, as will her relationships with her two sons. We’re delighted to welcome the fantastic Laura Doddington to EastEnders to bring Nicola to life.”