Teddy Mitchell will get a shock this autumn when his ex-wife Nicola turns up in Albert Square uninvited.

Nicola wastes no time making her presence felt as she introduces herself to the rest of the Mitchells and tries to build bridges with sons Harry and Barney. Teddy will be less than impressed to have Nicola invading his new neighbourhood. However, Nicola is determined to stand her ground, whether Teddy likes it or not.

Laura Doddington, who starred in Doctors, Holby and The Midwich Cuckoos, will take on the role of Nicola. She’s already started filming and will be seen on screen in late autumn.

Speaking of Nicola’s arrival, EastEnders Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw says: “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.

Speaking of her new role, Laura Doddington says: “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. 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.”

Listen to episode one of the Dance Bangers podcast, here.