Patricia Potter has made her debut as Gemma Hawkins in EastEnders, the estranged sister of Nicola Mitchell, during Monday's (August 17) dramatic episode of the BBC One soap. She appeared alongside Anna Constable, who plays their sister Jodie.
The pair made an incredibly chaotic entrance racing into Walford as Gemma lost control of her car, nearly running over a postman in the process. It was later revealed that the pair were hiding the abusive partner of Gemma's daughter Megan in the boot of the vehicle as part of a revenge plot. After initially refusing to help her siblings, Nicola eventually agreed to teach him a lesson.
Fans react to Gemma's arrival
Gemma has already got fans talking after just one episode, with viewers rushing to social media to share their verdict on the newcomer. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan penned: "I already love Gemma off first impressions - she's totally different to Nicola - Pure chaos and fun but there's also tension and clearly fractured history there which will be quite interesting to explore. The fact that their personalities are so different could make Nicola's dynamic with her new family really interesting to watch as well."
Another added: "I can already feel myself being obsessed with ar Gemma! #EastEnders." Someone else agreed: "I love Gemma already! She is pure chaos! A polar opposite to Nicola but I think this is what will make their dynamic work so well."
Who is Patricia Potter?
The actress is known for her role as Diane Lloyd in the BBC medical drama series Holby City. In 2006, she announced her intention to leave the show after four years, stating: "I felt it was time to move on to other projects. I wanted to move before I became too complacent. You have to weigh up if it's worth leaving a job that you really enjoy to face the unknown".
After leaving Holby City, she appeared in BBC One sitcom Jam and Jerusalem, before returning to theatre with the play An Eligible Man. From 2016 to 2017, she also appeared in BBC soap opera Doctors as Jane Fairweather and in 2023, she appeared as Oonagh Wallace in Vera series 12 episode one. Patricia has also previously appeared in The Bill, Brookside and the Scarlet Pimpernel, as well as the film Shakespeare in Love, and she played herself in Ricky Gervais's comedy Extras as an ex-girlfriend of Gervais' character Andy Millman.
What's next for the Hawkins family?
It was previously announced that the Hawkins family are set to arrive in Walford, with Gemma's husband Ned set to be played by Beyond Paradise's Jamie Bamber, while their son Ryder will be played by actor Felix Uff. Nicola came face to face with her estranged mother Rose Hawkins (Marian McLoughlin) at the end of the episodes so fans will have to wait and see what drama unfolds.
Previously speaking about joining the cast of EastEnders, Patricia said: "I am so delighted to be joining this iconic show as part of a new family. What a joy and a privilege to be working with such talented actors and wonderful people. I couldn’t be more excited and grateful!"
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 6am.
