George Knight (Colin Salmon) is soon to be met two huge shocks as his long-lost brothers arrive in Walford.
Earlier this year, viewers of the BBC soap saw George’s relationship with his estranged adoptive father Eddie (Christopher Fairbank) crumble following the revelation that he was responsible for the murder of his birth father Henry forty years ago.
He was told earlier this year that he was adopted from West Africa as part of a baby farming agreement in the 1960s, after originally believing he was Jamaican.
On Eddie’s sentencing day, George’s adoptive mum Gloria (Elizabeth Counsell) collapsed, and later died of a heart attack. On her death bed she played him a tape recording of his birth mum Margaret singing a lullaby.
Sadly, this was his only connection to Margaret, as her friend Angela Lawal (Susan Aderin) broke the news that she too had passed away last year.
In upcoming scenes, Angela makes her way back to Walford with two men in tow – Kobina and Kojo Asare, George’s friends. They’re intrigued to get to know Kwame (George), their brother, but he’s still coming to terms with the murder of Henry.
What will happen when he comes face-to-face with his brothers?
Younger brother Jojo is autistic, and played by neurodiverse actor Dayo Koleosho, who has a wealth of soap roles under his belt in Casualty and Doctors.
On joining the show in a regular capacity, Dayo said: ‘It’s been absolutely amazing – I’m loving every minute of working with the cast and crew. It’s an incredible storyline for Kojo and his family. It is a dream that has become reality.’
‘They are many surprises and I’m taking every opportunity to work creatively with other talented actors.’
Star of Apple TV+ hit Ted Lasso, Jonathan Nyati takes on the guest role of Kobina and added: ‘I am really honoured to appear in EastEnders, a British soap that I grew up watching religiously.’
‘It’s exciting to be part of George Knight’s storyline and his on-screen family. I can’t wait for viewers to be introduced to Kobina and his little brother Kojo as they arrive in Albert Square for the first time.’
The storyline will continue to show George’s journey of self-discovery, as the brothers learn more about one another and their troubled history.
When Kobina realises he’d rather stay in Ghana, George offers to care for Kojo, who wishes to stay in Walford.
‘We’re delighted to welcome Dayo and Jonathan to EastEnders to play Kojo and Kobina as we continue to explore George’s story’ said executive producer Chris Clenshaw.
‘These are three brothers who were torn apart by tragedy and have a lot of complex emotions to come to terms with.
‘When Kobina decides to leave, Kojo chooses to stay, which gives George the chance to be a big brother and also take on caring responsibilities.’
