EastEnders fans have worked out why Gemma Hawkins actress Patricia Potter looks so familiar, with many pointing to her past role in Holby City.
Gemma's EastEnders debut
Gemma, played by Patricia Potter, made her debut on the BBC One soap earlier this year as the estranged sister of Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington). She arrived alongside the rest of the Hawkins family, including Nicola's other sister Jodie (Anna Constable), their mum Rose (Marian McLoughlin), Gemma's son Ryder (Felix Uff) and her husband Ned (Jamie Bamber).
It is clear that Nicola and mum Rose do not get on. Gemma was desperate to reunite the fractured family, and the clan has since settled into Albert Square. Recently, it was revealed that Nicola and Ned share a huge secret: that she was responsible for causing the crash that killed her dad, and Ned helped her cover it up.
Patricia Potter's TV past
Patricia Potter is no stranger to screens. She has starred in Brookside, Hollyoaks, Absolutely Fabulous and Jam and Jerusalem, and played Jane Fairweather in BBC's Doctors from 2016 to 2017.
But it is her role in BBC medical drama Holby City that has got fans talking. From 2002 to 2007, Patricia played Diane Lloyd, and reprised the role again in 2019.
Fan reaction
Reacting to Patricia's TV past on an EastEnders Facebook fan page, one person said: "What do you guys think of the new family? Where have I seen Gemma before? It's bugging me!!!"
Another person pointed out: "Holby City." A third wrote: "Oh yes, of course." A fourth added: "She was brilliant in Holby... she's a fantastic actress."
Gemma's other half Ned is Beyond Paradise star Jamie Bamber, while their lad Ryder is played by Felix Uff. Her mum Rose is played by Marian McLoughlin, best known for her role in BBC's Doctors.
Speaking previously about her EastEnders debut, Patricia shared: "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.
