EastEnders star Colin Salmon has revealed taking on the role of George Knight was a "no brainer" for him, but it seems others had reservations.

The 61-year-old will make his BBC debut as head of the Knight family on June 1 alongside daughters Gina and Anna, played by Francesca Henry and Strictly's Molly Rainford.

Discussing what drew him to the role, the James Bond star admitted Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw played a pivotal part, but also revealed his wife of 35 years, Fiona Hawthorne, has a lung disease.

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The actor exclusively told Daily Star and other press: "My wife’s not well so I can’t be far from home."

He added: "Chris was passionate. He was clear. He was progressive. He had a vision and a clear love for the show and the people who watch it.

"I find that to be a requisite for any job. I like to work with people who are passionate because we give 100 per cent. When we jump, we jump, that's the rule."

Colin continued: "So to have somebody like that guiding us is really important. I'm an east ender and it was a big show for us growing up. And everybody I know who I've told I'm doing this has got really really excited."

The dad-of-four then appeared to admit that not all responses have been positive however, confessing: "And some have said, 'Don't do EastEnders'. They don't know me. So it was a no brainer. The universe has been really kind and I'm loving it.".

George and his daughter's arrive in the square to help Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe) and Linda Carter run the Queen Vic, but actress Kellie Bright revealed Linda is less than pleased when her mum's partner turns up unannounced.

Kellie, 46, explained: "Linda is very scarred by Janine so for her, everyone is the enemy and no one is to be trusted. Especially not this man who, as far as she's concerned, her mum does not know nearly well enough.

She added: "It's a bit of a shock to the system and she suddenly has to, not just share her pub with these people, but her whole world. They move in and so it's a real transitional time."

Kellie, who has portrayed Linda since 2013, admitted the new arrivals have "breathed life" back into her character who has been struggling since the death of Mick Carter (Danny Dyer) on Christmas Day.

"But it has been really wonderful to play," the mum-of-three said. "I've really enjoyed the last few months working with them all and I feel very lucky.

"I feel very much like they have breathed life back into Linda Carter which is really nice."

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