EastEnders newcomer Colin Salmon reveals tragic reason soap job is a ‘gift from the Universe’

COLIN Salmon has opened up on why landing his new role on EastEnders was a ‘gift from the universe’.

The star has joined the show to play the new man about town, George Knight, who has brought his whole family to Walford with him.

Now, Colin has revealed the extremely personal reason why getting the part on the show was a very big deal.

Colin said: “My wife is not well so I cant be far from home, so the universe has brought something quite extraordinary.”

He added that speaking to boss Chris Clenshaw convinced him to say yes and sign on the dotted line.

Colin added: “My agent said I think you should talk to Chris so I did he was passionate, clear, progressive and had a vision and a clear love for the show and the people who watch it.

“I find that to be the requisite for any job, we give 100% to have somebody like that guiding us it’s really important.

“I was born in Clapton Pond, I’m an east-ender and it was a big show for us growing up and everybody I’ve told is getting really excited.

“It was a no brainer the universe has been really kind it’s a different genre, I like working hard. I’m happy.”

His partner Elaine Peacock is no stranger to the Square as she is Linda Carter’s mother and so she knows the Queen Vic all too well.

The loved-up pair will be joined by George’s kids Anna and Gina, played by Strictly’s Molly Rainford and Francesca Henry.

Elsewhere, Molly revealed that she and her on-screen sister will wreak havoc on the lookout for love on the Square.

She said: “We’ve come from Marbella, grown up quickly. She’s excited to explore the new eye candy on the Square rather than look for something too serious too soon, just excited to be there.”

Whilst co-star Francesca had a more carefree approach when asked who her character Gina would be setting her eyes on.

Joking, she said: “Anything with a pulse.”