Quite a few stars in the Queen Vic as 2024 kicks off! (Picture: BBC)

Landing Hollywood actor Colin Salmon as the new landlord of the Queen Vic was a big enough coup for EastEnders, but in 2024, he will be joined by two major acting stalwarts as Christopher Fairbank and Elizabeth Counsell have been cast as George Knight’s adoptive parents.

The TV and film icons have decades of performances under their belts, with Elizabeth’s first credit as far back as 1962, while Christopher clocked his first TV role in 1978.

Perhaps best known as Albert in Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, his most recent part was in Hollywood hit The Little Mermaid.

He is also well known for recurring roles in the Guardians Of The Galaxy Series, and has a huge number of film and TV appearances, including in shows such as Outlander, Sherwood, Vera, Wolf Hall and Doctor Who.

He also provides his voice for a number of popular video game franchises.

Elizabeth, meanwhile, was a popular household name in the role of Veronica in Brush Strokes.

Most recently appearing in films Forever Young (2023) and The Invitation last year, she has also been seen in over a hundred other roles, in shows like Call The Midwife, Unforgotten and The Split.

All smiles here – but not for long… (Picture: BBC)

Despite these hefty showreels, both actors have shared their absolute delight at stepping onto Albert Square as Gloria and Eddie Knight.

Elizabeth enthused: ‘I can honestly say it has been an absolute joy. The cast and all of the team behind the scenes at EastEnders are brilliant and have been so welcoming.

‘Colin and I actually worked together before, and who would have thought that I’d be playing his mum almost thirty years later!’

Christopher added: ‘I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to join the cast of EastEnders.

‘Everyone has been so welcoming, and it’s been fantastic to meet and work with the brilliant actors involved in the show.’

The actors are already filming, with Gloria and Eddie arriving in the new year, hoping to build bridges with George.

But there is more to them than meets the eye, which will give an insight into George and his past, when a secret unfurls.

George is going to be rocked by the unexpected visitors (Picture: BBC)

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Speaking on the new additions, show boss Chris Clenshaw said: ‘We’re absolutely delighted to welcome the legendary and immensely talented actors, Christopher and Elizabeth, to the EastEnders family as they bring to life the characters of Gloria and Eddie.

‘Although currently set to join for a short stint, Gloria and Eddie are thrust into the heart of the drama as they try to reconnect with their son but it soon becomes apparent why George has kept his distance.’

The arrivals come in the wake of recent news that Jacqueline Jossa will be reprising her role as Lauren Branning, alongside another fresh casting in the shape of Jack Branning’s (Scott Maslen) daughter Penny, played by Kitty Castledine.

And the aftermath of the murder storyline featuring ‘The Six’, is also set to dominate proceedings, after the identity of the victim being revealed in Christmas Day.

EastEnders’ big Christmas climax will set up a huge 2024 (Picture: BBC)

On where the story goes from there, producer Chris told Metro.co.uk: ‘There’s obviously huge consequences playing into next year from the fallout of what happens at Christmas.

‘We’ve got a very exciting 2024 planned. We are building to the 40th anniversary. I’m obviously not going to say too much about what we’ve got planned, it’s over a year away from now!

‘I suppose I can guarantee that it will be a huge celebration for the show.’

Sounds like these epic castings are just the beginning!

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2024 kicks off with a massive storyline – with two massive stars joining the Walford ranks.