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{{Infobox soap character
{{Infobox soap character
| series = EastEnders
| series = EastEnders
| image1 =
| imagesize1 = 200
| name = Nicola Mitchell
| name = Nicola Mitchell
| portrayer = Laura Doddington
| portrayer = Laura Doddington
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}}
}}
}}
}}
'''Nicola Mitchell''' is a fictional character from the [[BBC]] [[soap opera]] ''[[EastEnders]]'', played by Laura Doddington. Nicola was introduced by [[executive producer]] [[Chris Clenshaw]] in episode 7011, broadcast on 11 November 2024, as the estranged ex-wife of [[Teddy Mitchell]] ([[Roland Manookian]]) and mother of [[Harry Mitchell (EastEnders)|Harry Mitchell]] ([[Elijah Holloway]]) and [[Barney Mitchell]] (Lewis Bridgeman).
'''Nicola Mitchell''' is a fictional character from the [[BBC]] [[soap opera]] ''[[EastEnders]]'', played by Laura Doddington. Nicola was introduced by [[executive producer]] [[Chris Clenshaw]] in episode 7011, broadcast on 11 November 2024, as the recently estranged ex-wife of [[Teddy Mitchell]] ([[Roland Manookian]]) and mother of [[Harry Mitchell (EastEnders)|Harry Mitchell]] ([[Elijah Holloway]]) and [[Barney Mitchell]] (Lewis Bridgeman). Her storylines in the show included her arrival, helping Harry get revenge on those behind his prison sentence, attempting rebuild bridges with her family and get back together with Teddy, a feud with [[Sharon Watts]] ([[Letitia Dean]]), her past fling with [[Zack Hudson]] ([[James Farrar (actor)|James Farrar]]), and gaining ownership of Peggy's [[wine bar]].

Across her stint, Nicola has been portrayed as a headstrong and resilient mother, but with a more cunning and possessive side. Doddington grew up as a fan of the show, so was excited to be cast, with the announcement being released to press in early October 2024. Teasing how her character would arrive, Doddington teased that Nicola would come in "like the [[Tasmanian Devil (Looney Tunes)|Tasmanian Devil]]".<ref name="Ex" /> After her introduction, Nicola received positive reception for her strong personality and Doddington's performance, with Helen Daly of ''[[Radio Times]]'' calling the character a "breath of fresh air".<ref name="Gobsmacking" />

==Storylines==
==Storylines==
Nicola arrives in [[Walford]] after being tipped off about her son [[Harry Mitchell (EastEnders)|Harry]]'s ([[Elijah Holloway]]) arrest, and immediately confronts his girlfriend, [[Penny Branning]] ([[Kitty Castledine]]), suspecting her involvement due to her father, [[Jack Branning]] ([[Scott Maslen]]) being a police officer. Nicola quickly provides Harry with a false alibi, getting him released, but tensions escalate as [[Teddy Mitchell]] ([[Roland Manookian]]), her estranged ex-husband, reveals that she had lied about being abroad and was actually in prison for injecting unlicensed filler and stealing from him. This revelation turns their son [[Barney Mitchell|Barney]] (Lewis Bridgeman) against her, and as she leaves, Nicola tells Harry that Penny played a role in his arrest. While plotting revenge against Penny, Nicola encounters [[Zack Hudson]] ([[James Farrar (actor)|James Farrar]]), a former fling, and they agree to keep their past relationship secret from Teddy. After some persuasion, Teddy reluctantly allows Nicola to stay in the basement of the house. Nicola later realises that Teddy is attempting to strike a deal with [[Phil Mitchell]] ([[Steve McFadden]]) to purchase the local [[wine bar]], Peggy's, but she manages to beat him to it, securing the deal and frustrating Teddy.
Nicola arrives in [[Walford]] after being tipped off about her son [[Harry Mitchell (EastEnders)|Harry]]'s ([[Elijah Holloway]]) arrest, and immediately confronts his girlfriend, [[Penny Branning]] ([[Kitty Castledine]]), suspecting her involvement due to her father, [[Jack Branning]] ([[Scott Maslen]]) being a police officer. Nicola quickly provides Harry with a false alibi, getting him released, but tensions escalate as [[Teddy Mitchell]] ([[Roland Manookian]]), her estranged ex-husband, reveals that she had lied about being abroad and was actually in prison for injecting unlicensed filler and stealing from him. This revelation turns their son [[Barney Mitchell|Barney]] (Lewis Bridgeman) against her, and as she leaves, Nicola tells Harry that Penny played a role in his arrest. While plotting revenge against Penny, Nicola encounters [[Zack Hudson]] ([[James Farrar (actor)|James Farrar]]), a former fling, and they agree to keep their past relationship secret from Teddy. After some persuasion, Teddy reluctantly allows Nicola to stay in the basement of the house. Nicola later realises that Teddy is attempting to strike a deal with [[Phil Mitchell]] ([[Steve McFadden]]) to purchase the local [[wine bar]], Peggy's, but she manages to beat him to it, securing the deal and frustrating Teddy.
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==Development==
==Development==
===Casting and creation===
===Casting and creation===
After being alluded to on several occations,<ref name="New" /> it was announced on 2 October 2024 that actress Laura Doddington had been cast as Nicola Mitchell, the ex-wife of recently established character [[Teddy Mitchell]] ([[Roland Manookian]]) and mother of his sons [[Harry Mitchell (EastEnders)|Harry]] ([[Elijah Holloway]]) and [[Barney Mitchell]] (Lewis Bridgeman).<ref name="Ex">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2024/eastenders-to-introduce-teddys-ex-wife-nicola-mitchell |title=<i>EastEnders</i> to introduce Teddy's ex-wife Nicola Mitchell |first= |last= |date=2 October 2024 |publisher=[[BBC|BBC Media Centre]] |language=English |access-date=13 November 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003120742/https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2024/eastenders-to-introduce-teddys-ex-wife-nicola-mitchell |archive-date=3 October 2024 }}</ref> Doddington explained that she was working in [[Dubbing#ADR/post-sync|automated dialogue replacement]] when she received the call from her agent to tell her she had been cast.<ref name="Joins">{{cite AV media |date=13 November 2024 |title=Nicola Mitchell Joins The Square! {{!}} Behind The Square {{!}} <i>EastEnders</i> |type=Video |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3YPgHuBl1s |access-date=13 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113232237/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3YPgHuBl1s |url-status=live |archive-date=13 November 2024 |publisher=Official <i>[[EastEnders]]</i> YouTube channel |via=[[YouTube]] }}</ref> Having grown up as a fan, Doddington voiced her excitement to join the soap upon her character's announcement. She said she felt "like a kid at Christmas" to step onto the show's set, especially [[The Queen Victoria]] [[public house]].<ref name="Ex" /> She noted the set being smaller than she had imagined, commenting that it was "bizarre" but "exciting".<ref name="Joins" /> Doddington considered herself lucky to be cast as a member of an extension to the soap's [[Mitchell family]], as she enjoyed the company of her fellow actors.<ref name="Ex" /> She compared the working environment to that of a theatre company due to how encouraging the cast were to each other.<ref name="Newcomer" /> [[Executive producer]] [[Chris Clenshaw]] expressed excitement to introduce Nicola and explore her dynamic with Teddy.<ref name="Ex" /> It was confirmed that Doddington had begun filming prior to the announcement.<ref name="Cast" /> Nicola was the second role portrayed by Doddington in ''EastEnders'', as she portrayed [[List of EastEnders characters introduced in 2009#Barbara|Barbara]], a woman leading an [[antenatal]] class attended by [[Masood Ahmed]] ([[Nitin Ganatra]]) and [[Zainab Masood]] ([[Nina Wadia]]), in late 2009.<ref name="Cast" />
After being alluded to on several occations,<ref name="New" /> it was announced on 2 October 2024 that actress Laura Doddington had been cast as Nicola Mitchell, the ex-wife of recently established character [[Teddy Mitchell]] ([[Roland Manookian]]) and mother of his sons [[Harry Mitchell (EastEnders)|Harry]] ([[Elijah Holloway]]) and [[Barney Mitchell]] (Lewis Bridgeman).<ref name="Ex">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2024/eastenders-to-introduce-teddys-ex-wife-nicola-mitchell |title=<i>EastEnders</i> to introduce Teddy's ex-wife Nicola Mitchell |first= |last= |date=2 October 2024 |publisher=[[BBC|BBC Media Centre]] |language=English |access-date=13 November 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003120742/https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2024/eastenders-to-introduce-teddys-ex-wife-nicola-mitchell |archive-date=3 October 2024 }}</ref> Doddington explained that she was working in [[Dubbing#ADR/post-sync|automated dialogue replacement]] when she received the call from her agent to tell her she had been cast.<ref name="Joins">{{cite AV media |date=13 November 2024 |title=Nicola Mitchell Joins The Square! {{!}} Behind The Square {{!}} <i>EastEnders</i> |type=Video |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3YPgHuBl1s |access-date=13 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113232237/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3YPgHuBl1s |url-status=live |archive-date=13 November 2024 |publisher=Official <i>[[EastEnders]]</i> YouTube channel |via=[[YouTube]] }}</ref> Having grown up as a fan, Doddington voiced her excitement to join the soap upon her character's announcement. She said she felt "like a kid at Christmas" to step onto the show's set, especially [[The Queen Victoria]] [[public house]].<ref name="Ex" /> She noted the set being smaller than she had imagined, commenting that it was "bizarre" but "exciting".<ref name="Joins" /> Doddington considered herself lucky to be cast as a member of an extension to the soap's [[Mitchell family]], as she enjoyed the company of her fellow actors.<ref name="Ex" /> She compared the working environment to that of a theatre company due to how encouraging the cast were to each other.<ref name="Newcomer">{{cite web |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-nicola-mitchell-big-secret-laura-doddington-interview/ |title=<i>EastEnders</i> newcomer Laura Doddington teases Nicola Mitchell's big secret: 'She feels exposed' |first=Laura |last=Denby |date=5 November 2024 |website=[[Radio Times]] |language=English |access-date=13 November 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113160750/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-nicola-mitchell-big-secret-laura-doddington-interview/ |archive-date=13 November 2024 }}</ref> [[Executive producer]] [[Chris Clenshaw]] expressed excitement to introduce Nicola and explore her dynamic with Teddy.<ref name="Ex" /> It was confirmed that Doddington had begun filming prior to the announcement.<ref name="Cast">{{cite web |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-nicola-mitchell-laura-doddington-newsupdate/ |title=<i>EastEnders</i> confirms arrival of Teddy Mitchell's ex-wife as <i>Doctors</i> star joins the cast |first=Laura |last=Denby |date=2 October 2024 |website=[[Radio Times]] |language=English |access-date=13 November 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007102432/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-nicola-mitchell-laura-doddington-newsupdate/ |archive-date=7 October 2024 }}</ref> Nicola was the second role portrayed by Doddington in ''EastEnders'', as she portrayed [[List of EastEnders characters introduced in 2009#Barbara|Barbara]], a woman leading an [[antenatal]] class attended by [[Masood Ahmed]] ([[Nitin Ganatra]]) and [[Zainab Masood]] ([[Nina Wadia]]), in late 2009.<ref name="Cast" />


Set to debut in late Autumn 2024, her arrival was teased as both "a shock" and an annoyance for Teddy, as Nicola was set to quickly make a name for herself in the show's setting of [[Walford]] and try to rebuild bridges with her sons.<ref name="Ex" /> Teasing her character's arrival, Doddington said that Nicola "comes in like the [[Tasmanian Devil (Looney Tunes)|Tasmanian Devil]]".<ref name="Ex" /> Spoilers teasing her debut said that she would take quick dislikes to [[Sharon Watts]] ([[Letitia Dean]]) for flirting with Teddy, as well as [[Jack Branning|Jack]] ([[Scott Maslen]]) and [[Penny Branning]] ([[Kitty Castledine]]) for their respective roles in Harry's arrest.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.whattowatch.com/spoilers/eastenders-spoilers-nicola-mitchell-has-a-shocking-proposition-for-phil |title=<i>EastEnders</i> spoilers: Nicola Mitchell has a shocking proposition for Phil! |first=Claire |last=Crick |date=5 November 2024 |website=[[What's on TV]] |language=English |access-date=21 November 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241121215616/https://www.whattowatch.com/spoilers/eastenders-spoilers-nicola-mitchell-has-a-shocking-proposition-for-phil |archive-date=21 November 2024 }}</ref> The character went on to make her first appearance in episode 7011, broadcast on 11 November 2024.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a62794777/eastenders-spoilers-nicola-mitchell-arrives/ |title=<i>EastEnders</i> spoiler: Nicola Mitchell arrives in Walford |first=Daniel |last=Kilkelly |date= |publisher=[[Digital Spy]] |language=English |access-date=21 November 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241110205942/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a62794777/eastenders-spoilers-nicola-mitchell-arrives/ |archive-date=10 November 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite episode |title=Episode 7011 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0024yy9 |access-date=24 November 2024 |series=EastEnders |series-link=EastEnders |network=[[BBC One]] |date=11 November 2024 |minutes=27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241124011336/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0024yy9 |url-status=live |archive-date=24 November 2024 }}</ref>
Set to debut in late Autumn 2024, her arrival was teased as both "a shock" and an annoyance for Teddy, as Nicola was set to quickly make a name for herself in the show's setting of [[Walford]] and try to rebuild bridges with her sons.<ref name="Ex" /> Teddy's annoyance to be reacquainted with Nicola stemmed from his desire to have a fresh start with his sons, which her arrival would break the illusion of.<ref name="New">{{cite web |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a62484731/eastenders-spoilers-nicola-mitchell-teddy-ex-wife-casting/ |title=<i>EastEnders</i> to introduce Teddy Mitchell's ex-wife in new story |first=Erin |last=Zammitt |date=2 October 2024 |publisher=[[Digital Spy]] |language=English |access-date=13 November 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007134822/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a62484731/eastenders-spoilers-nicola-mitchell-teddy-ex-wife-casting/ |archive-date=7 October 2024 }}</ref> Teasing her character's arrival, Doddington said that Nicola "comes in like the [[Tasmanian Devil (Looney Tunes)|Tasmanian Devil]]".<ref name="Ex" /> Spoilers teasing her debut said that she would create "a stir",<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a62800881/eastenders-spoilers-nicola-mitchell-arrival-harry-arrest/ |title=<i>EastEnders</i> confirms Nicola Mitchell's arrival after dramatic arrest |first=Erin |last=Zammitt |date=5 November 2024 |publisher=[[Digital Spy]] |language=English |access-date=21 November 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241116081731/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a62800881/eastenders-spoilers-nicola-mitchell-arrival-harry-arrest/ |archive-date=16 November 2024 }}</ref> and take quick dislikes to [[Sharon Watts]] ([[Letitia Dean]]) for flirting with Teddy, as well as [[Jack Branning|Jack]] ([[Scott Maslen]]) and [[Penny Branning]] ([[Kitty Castledine]]) for their respective roles in Harry's arrest.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.whattowatch.com/spoilers/eastenders-spoilers-nicola-mitchell-has-a-shocking-proposition-for-phil |title=<i>EastEnders</i> spoilers: Nicola Mitchell has a shocking proposition for Phil! |first=Claire |last=Crick |date=5 November 2024 |website=[[What's on TV]] |language=English |access-date=21 November 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241121215616/https://www.whattowatch.com/spoilers/eastenders-spoilers-nicola-mitchell-has-a-shocking-proposition-for-phil |archive-date=21 November 2024 }}</ref> She was also teased to be hiding many secrets.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-spoilers-nicola-king-arrival-bernie-taylor-return/ |title=6 <i>EastEnders</i> spoilers for next week: Bernie Taylor confronts the Six as Nicola Mitchell arrives |first=Laura |last=Denby |date=5 November 2024 |website=[[Radio Times]] |language=English |access-date=21 November 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241114132357/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-spoilers-nicola-king-arrival-bernie-taylor-return/ |archive-date=14 November 2024 }}</ref> The character went on to make her first appearance in episode 7011, broadcast on 11 November 2024.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a62794777/eastenders-spoilers-nicola-mitchell-arrives/ |title=<i>EastEnders</i> spoiler: Nicola Mitchell arrives in Walford |first=Daniel |last=Kilkelly |date= |publisher=[[Digital Spy]] |language=English |access-date=21 November 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241110205942/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a62794777/eastenders-spoilers-nicola-mitchell-arrives/ |archive-date=10 November 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite episode |title=Episode 7011 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0024yy9 |access-date=24 November 2024 |series=EastEnders |series-link=EastEnders |network=[[BBC One]] |date=11 November 2024 |minutes=27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241124011336/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0024yy9 |url-status=live |archive-date=24 November 2024 }}</ref>


Doddington: "It's safe to say she's not necessarily in their best books"<ref name="Newcomer" />

[Her arrival] That will be a shock for Teddy, who has been desperate to make a fresh start with his boys.<ref name="New">{{cite web |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a62484731/eastenders-spoilers-nicola-mitchell-teddy-ex-wife-casting/ |title=<i>EastEnders</i> to introduce Teddy Mitchell's ex-wife in new story |first=Erin |last=Zammitt |date=2 October 2024 |publisher=[[Digital Spy]] |language=English |access-date=13 November 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007134822/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a62484731/eastenders-spoilers-nicola-mitchell-teddy-ex-wife-casting/ |archive-date=7 October 2024 }}</ref>

When she arrives, she wastes no time introducing herself to the rest of the Mitchell clan — and she also wants to make amends with her sons, Harry and Barney.<ref name="New" />

''So far, all we've heard about Teddy's ex is that he's been trying to hide his accounts from her''.<ref name="Cast">{{cite web |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-nicola-mitchell-laura-doddington-newsupdate/ |title=<i>EastEnders</i> confirms arrival of Teddy Mitchell's ex-wife as <i>Doctors</i> star joins the cast |first=Laura |last=Denby |date=2 October 2024 |website=[[Radio Times]] |language=English |access-date=13 November 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007102432/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-nicola-mitchell-laura-doddington-newsupdate/ |archive-date=7 October 2024 }}</ref>

Meanwhile, Nicola quickly creates a stir in Albert Square, so Teddy decides to utilise a big secret from her recent past. She gets under his skin and quickly takes a dislike to Sharon – who Teddy has been flirting with recently. Later in the week, Nicola meets Honey, and she invites herself to a lunch with Teddy and Billy. At the meal, she tells Honey and Billy about she and Teddy’s marriage and makes him uncomfortable. After Nicola finds somewhere to stay, she comes up with another scheme. She overhears Teddy arranging to meet Phil to sign over the club, and then asks Phil for a chat.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a62800881/eastenders-spoilers-nicola-mitchell-arrival-harry-arrest/ |title=<i>EastEnders</i> confirms Nicola Mitchell's arrival after dramatic arrest |first=Erin |last=Zammitt |date=5 November 2024 |publisher=[[Digital Spy]] |language=English |access-date=21 November 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241116081731/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a62800881/eastenders-spoilers-nicola-mitchell-arrival-harry-arrest/ |archive-date=16 November 2024 }}</ref>

Nicola Mitchell (played by Laura Doddington) makes her mark upon her arrival in Walford next week, but what is her big secret?<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-spoilers-nicola-king-arrival-bernie-taylor-return/ |title=6 <i>EastEnders</i> spoilers for next week: Bernie Taylor confronts the Six as Nicola Mitchell arrives |first=Laura |last=Denby |date=5 November 2024 |website=[[Radio Times]] |language=English |access-date=21 November 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241114132357/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-spoilers-nicola-king-arrival-bernie-taylor-return/ |archive-date=14 November 2024 }}</ref>

Ahead of her character's arrival, Doddington confirmed that Nicola would arrive after learning of Harry being arrested.<ref name="Newcomer">{{cite web |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-nicola-mitchell-big-secret-laura-doddington-interview/ |title=<i>EastEnders</i> newcomer Laura Doddington teases Nicola Mitchell's big secret: 'She feels exposed' |first=Laura |last=Denby |date=5 November 2024 |website=[[Radio Times]] |language=English |access-date=13 November 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113160750/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-nicola-mitchell-big-secret-laura-doddington-interview/ |archive-date=13 November 2024 }}</ref>


===Characterisation===
===Characterisation===
Nicola, on introduction, is Teddy's ex-wife. Discussing Nicola's personality, Clenshaw said that, like other female members of the Mitchell family, Nicola is "feisty, strong and loves her family".<ref name="Ex" /> Laura-Jayne Tyler of ''[[Inside Soap]]'' billed Nicola as a "new mega-bitch" who would quickly have the remainder of Walford "at [her] mercy".<ref name="Here">{{cite magazine |last1=Tyler |first1=Laura-Jayne |title=Here comes trouble! |magazine=[[Inside Soap]] |date=9–15 November 2024 |issue=45 |pages=10-12}}</ref> Press releases noted Nicola's determination to "stand her ground".<ref name="Ex" /> Lewis Knight of ''[[Radio Times]]'' called her a "dynamic newcomer" and a "feisty new Mitchell matriarch".<ref name="Scandalous">{{cite web |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-nicola-mitchell-zack-hudson-affair-bbc-iplayer-newsupdate/ |title=<i>EastEnders</i> airs scandalous Nicola Mitchell revelations in early BBC iPlayer release |first=Lewis |last=Knight |date=13 November 2024 |website=[[Radio Times]] |language=English |access-date=21 November 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241116191301/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-nicola-mitchell-zack-hudson-affair-bbc-iplayer-newsupdate/ |archive-date=16 November 2024 }}</ref> Colleague Laura Denby called the character "chaotic" and "fiery".<ref name="Newcomer" />
determined to stand her ground<ref name="Ex" />

Discussing Nicola's personality, Clenshaw said that, like other female members of the soap's [[Mitchell family]], Nicola is "Nicola is feisty, strong and loves her family".<ref name="Ex" />

She comes to Walford to help deal with that - in her unique, bombastic Nicola Mitchell way!<ref name="Newcomer" />

"chaotic"<ref name="Newcomer" />

"fiery"<ref name="Newcomer" />

Doddington: "Nicola is a complex woman"<ref name="Ex" /> She's strong and completely unapologetic about who she is.<ref name="Ex" /> Epic.<ref name="Joins" />

Nicola is so protective of her children<ref name="Newcomer" />

What can we expect from Nicola Mitchell in her first few weeks in Albert Square? "Nicola is a woman who knows her mind and isn't intimidated by anyone or anything. What I love about her is that she is an intelligent woman and quite witty. So, you can expect a woman who is not afraid to make her mark."<ref name="Newcomer" />

"troublemaker".<ref name="Gobsmacking" />

"Dynamic newcomer" and "feisty new Mitchell matriarch"<ref name="Scandalous">{{cite web |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-nicola-mitchell-zack-hudson-affair-bbc-iplayer-newsupdate/ |title=<i>EastEnders</i> airs scandalous Nicola Mitchell revelations in early BBC iPlayer release |first=Lewis |last=Knight |date=13 November 2024 |website=[[Radio Times]] |language=English |access-date=21 November 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241116191301/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-nicola-mitchell-zack-hudson-affair-bbc-iplayer-newsupdate/ |archive-date=16 November 2024 }}</ref>

Laura-Jayne Tyler of ''[[Inside Soap]]'' billed Nicola as a "new mega-bitch".<ref name="Here">{{cite magazine |last1=Tyler |first1=Laura-Jayne |title=Here comes trouble! |magazine=[[Inside Soap]] |date=9–15 November 2024 |issue=45 |pages=10-12}}</ref>

Ready and willing to "fight" for her sons.<ref name="Here" />

Walford "at [her] mercy".<ref name="Here" />

===Relationship with Teddy Mitchell and feud with Sharon Watts===
Regarding the character's relationship with Teddy, Clenshaw commented that they had a "complicated history".<ref name="Ex" />

"The divorce with Teddy has made Nicola look at herself and how she's behaved, and she wants her family back as a unit. She wants to show her children that she is supportive and loves them very much. And her way of doing that is to come in and fix things. She's a fixer!"<ref name="Newcomer" />

"Nicola loves Teddy, and she wants him back. But they were definitely not what we would call a functioning couple. Nicola is quite manipulative with most people, but she can't manipulate Teddy as well as she used to, and that infuriates her. They got together when they were young and went from being kids to being adults together and finding out who they were while in a relationship with each other. From that comes this ability to press each other's buttons very quickly and know before they press them what's going to happen."<ref name="Newcomer" />

Teddy is trying to move forward after the divorce. Is that hard for Nicola? "I think it's heartbreaking and infuriating. Nicola is used to getting what she wants. There is a human trait that we all have of, 'I want it. Why can't I have it?' As children, we learn to curb that instinct, but Nicola hasn't. So, with Teddy, her thoughts are, 'I want him. Why can't I have him?'"<ref name="Newcomer" />

How does she feel when Teddy tells Barney her secret? "Nicola is angry and embarrassed, and she feels exposed. Teddy's the only person who can expose her like that. She's usually one step ahead, but she isn't one step ahead when Teddy does that. Nicola wants her boys back and she's going to fight to do that. But Teddy's revelation means she's got to backtrack and re-earn Barney's trust. Nicola doesn't want things to be hard, she wants them to be easy, so this puts a spanner in the works for her."<ref name="Newcomer" />

Thoughts on sharon "The scene is so much fun because they clash right away! Letitia Dean is heaven to work with, and our first scene contains a line that's my favourite I've ever said on screen! Nicola is not a woman's woman, and she's just not interested in women, not interested in female friendships, not interested in that support network. At that initial moment, it could be Sharon or any other woman that she’s being rude to. But once she finds out that Sharon and Teddy have a flirtation, she sees Sharon as an obstacle to overcome and starts thinking how to scupper things between them. Nicola will do whatever it takes to get Teddy back, so Sharon should watch her back."<ref name="Newcomer" />

"Fiery bombshell"<ref name="Dramatic">{{cite web |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-nicola-mitchell-arrives-newsupdate/ |title=<i>EastEnders</i> airs dramatic arrival in early iPlayer release |first=Helen |last=Daly |date=11 November 2024 |website=[[Radio Times]] |language=English |access-date=21 November 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113160832/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-nicola-mitchell-arrives-newsupdate/ |archive-date=13 November 2024 }}</ref>

When speaking about what fans can expect from Nicola's first few weeks on Albert Square, she said: "Nicola is a woman who knows her mind and isn't intimidated by anyone or anything. What I love about her is that she is an intelligent woman and quite witty. So, you can expect a woman who is not afraid to make her mark."<ref name="Laura" />


Doddington detailed that Nicola was very "protective" over her children,<ref name="Newcomer" /> and was always ready and willing to "fight for them".<ref name="Here" /> In a ''Radio Times'' interview, Doddington was vocal about her appreciation for Nicola being a "complex woman" who is "strong and completely unapolagetic about who she is".<ref name="Ex" /> She also described her character as a "witty" and "intelligent" woman who "knows her mind and isn't intimidated by anyone or anything".<ref name="Newcomer" /> Doddington noted Nicola's traits of preferring things to be easy and usually seeking opportunities to turn situations to her advantage. She concluded by detailing that "Nicola is not a woman's woman, and she's just not interested in women, not interested in female friendships, not interested in that support network".<ref name="Newcomer" /> She further noted that Nicola is "used to getting what she wants", having never learned as a child not to expect such.<ref name="Newcomer" /> ''Radio Times'' writer Helen Daly called the character a "fiery bombshell"<ref name="Dramatic">{{cite web |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-nicola-mitchell-arrives-newsupdate/ |title=<i>EastEnders</i> airs dramatic arrival in early iPlayer release |first=Helen |last=Daly |date=11 November 2024 |website=[[Radio Times]] |language=English |access-date=21 November 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113160832/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-nicola-mitchell-arrives-newsupdate/ |archive-date=13 November 2024 }}</ref> and was surprised by Nicola's tendency to be a "troublemaker" and noted that she had many "tricks up her sleeve".<ref name="Gobsmacking" />
"Initially, she's just sizing everyone up. She's heard of Phil because of his reputation, and she's intrigued by him and whether he can manipulate him. With Honey, she spots that this is a nice person who she can get her claws into if needs be. She knows Honey is too nice to say no to her, like when she invites herself to lunch. She didn't know about Billy’s existence, so she wants to meet Teddy’s brother and get to know him. Mostly, she's looking to see if she can turn any situation to her advantage."<ref name="Newcomer" />


===Relationship with Teddy Mitchell===
She and Sharon "clash right away" as "Once Nicola finds out that Sharon and Teddy have a flirtation, she starts thinking how to scupper things between them. Nicola will do whatever it takes to get Teddy back, so Sharon needs to watch her back."<ref name="Here" />
The character's backstory states that she and Teddy married young and discovered themselves while being together, before divorcing. Their lengthy history together lead them to gain the ability to "press each other's buttons" easily, being able to predict what would happen as a result.<ref name="Newcomer" /> Regarding the character's relationship with Teddy, Clenshaw commented that they had a "complicated history".<ref name="Ex" /> Doddington commented that their divorce helped Nicola examine her behaviour, and that she wanted "her family back as a unit".<ref name="Newcomer" /> She said that Nicola still harbored feelings for Teddy, despite the two being dysfunctional during their marriage, and Nicola's annoyance towards losing her ability to "manipulate" and stay "one step ahead [of]" Teddy.<ref name="Newcomer" /> After learning of Teddy's flirtation with [[Sharon Watts]] ([[Letitia Dean]]), Doddington said Nicola and Sharon would "clash right away" as Nicola was determined to do "whatever it takes" to get Teddy back, so would try her best to "scupper" their relationship.<ref name="Here" />


==Reception==
==Reception==
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[[:Category:Fictional beauticians]]
[[:Category:Fictional beauticians]]
[[:Category:Fictional businesspeople in soap operas]]
[[:Category:Fictional businesspeople in soap operas]]
[[:Category:Fictional con artists]]<!-- "What is this, '''another''' one of your scams" - Teddy 12/11/24 -->
[[:Category:Fictional criminals in soap operas]]
[[:Category:Fictional criminals in soap operas]]
[[:Category:Fictional prisoners and detainees]]
[[:Category:Fictional prisoners and detainees]]

Latest revision as of 11:15, 24 November 2024

Nicola Mitchell
EastEnders character
Portrayed byLaura Doddington
Duration2024–present
First appearanceEpisode 7011
11 November 2024 (2024-11-11)
ClassificationPresent; regular
Introduced byChris Clenshaw
In-universe information
Occupation
  • Beautician
  • Businesswoman
FamilyMitchell
HusbandTeddy Mitchell (until 2024)
Sons

Nicola Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Laura Doddington. Nicola was introduced by executive producer Chris Clenshaw in episode 7011, broadcast on 11 November 2024, as the recently estranged ex-wife of Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian) and mother of Harry Mitchell (Elijah Holloway) and Barney Mitchell (Lewis Bridgeman). Her storylines in the show included her arrival, helping Harry get revenge on those behind his prison sentence, attempting rebuild bridges with her family and get back together with Teddy, a feud with Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), her past fling with Zack Hudson (James Farrar), and gaining ownership of Peggy's wine bar.

Across her stint, Nicola has been portrayed as a headstrong and resilient mother, but with a more cunning and possessive side. Doddington grew up as a fan of the show, so was excited to be cast, with the announcement being released to press in early October 2024. Teasing how her character would arrive, Doddington teased that Nicola would come in "like the Tasmanian Devil".[1] After her introduction, Nicola received positive reception for her strong personality and Doddington's performance, with Helen Daly of Radio Times calling the character a "breath of fresh air".[2]

Storylines

[edit]

Nicola arrives in Walford after being tipped off about her son Harry's (Elijah Holloway) arrest, and immediately confronts his girlfriend, Penny Branning (Kitty Castledine), suspecting her involvement due to her father, Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) being a police officer. Nicola quickly provides Harry with a false alibi, getting him released, but tensions escalate as Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian), her estranged ex-husband, reveals that she had lied about being abroad and was actually in prison for injecting unlicensed filler and stealing from him. This revelation turns their son Barney (Lewis Bridgeman) against her, and as she leaves, Nicola tells Harry that Penny played a role in his arrest. While plotting revenge against Penny, Nicola encounters Zack Hudson (James Farrar), a former fling, and they agree to keep their past relationship secret from Teddy. After some persuasion, Teddy reluctantly allows Nicola to stay in the basement of the house. Nicola later realises that Teddy is attempting to strike a deal with Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) to purchase the local wine bar, Peggy's, but she manages to beat him to it, securing the deal and frustrating Teddy.

Development

[edit]

Casting and creation

[edit]

After being alluded to on several occations,[3] it was announced on 2 October 2024 that actress Laura Doddington had been cast as Nicola Mitchell, the ex-wife of recently established character Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian) and mother of his sons Harry (Elijah Holloway) and Barney Mitchell (Lewis Bridgeman).[1] Doddington explained that she was working in automated dialogue replacement when she received the call from her agent to tell her she had been cast.[4] Having grown up as a fan, Doddington voiced her excitement to join the soap upon her character's announcement. She said she felt "like a kid at Christmas" to step onto the show's set, especially The Queen Victoria public house.[1] She noted the set being smaller than she had imagined, commenting that it was "bizarre" but "exciting".[4] Doddington considered herself lucky to be cast as a member of an extension to the soap's Mitchell family, as she enjoyed the company of her fellow actors.[1] She compared the working environment to that of a theatre company due to how encouraging the cast were to each other.[5] Executive producer Chris Clenshaw expressed excitement to introduce Nicola and explore her dynamic with Teddy.[1] It was confirmed that Doddington had begun filming prior to the announcement.[6] Nicola was the second role portrayed by Doddington in EastEnders, as she portrayed Barbara, a woman leading an antenatal class attended by Masood Ahmed (Nitin Ganatra) and Zainab Masood (Nina Wadia), in late 2009.[6]

Set to debut in late Autumn 2024, her arrival was teased as both "a shock" and an annoyance for Teddy, as Nicola was set to quickly make a name for herself in the show's setting of Walford and try to rebuild bridges with her sons.[1] Teddy's annoyance to be reacquainted with Nicola stemmed from his desire to have a fresh start with his sons, which her arrival would break the illusion of.[3] Teasing her character's arrival, Doddington said that Nicola "comes in like the Tasmanian Devil".[1] Spoilers teasing her debut said that she would create "a stir",[7] and take quick dislikes to Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) for flirting with Teddy, as well as Jack (Scott Maslen) and Penny Branning (Kitty Castledine) for their respective roles in Harry's arrest.[8] She was also teased to be hiding many secrets.[9] The character went on to make her first appearance in episode 7011, broadcast on 11 November 2024.[10][11]

Characterisation

[edit]

Nicola, on introduction, is Teddy's ex-wife. Discussing Nicola's personality, Clenshaw said that, like other female members of the Mitchell family, Nicola is "feisty, strong and loves her family".[1] Laura-Jayne Tyler of Inside Soap billed Nicola as a "new mega-bitch" who would quickly have the remainder of Walford "at [her] mercy".[12] Press releases noted Nicola's determination to "stand her ground".[1] Lewis Knight of Radio Times called her a "dynamic newcomer" and a "feisty new Mitchell matriarch".[13] Colleague Laura Denby called the character "chaotic" and "fiery".[5]

Doddington detailed that Nicola was very "protective" over her children,[5] and was always ready and willing to "fight for them".[12] In a Radio Times interview, Doddington was vocal about her appreciation for Nicola being a "complex woman" who is "strong and completely unapolagetic about who she is".[1] She also described her character as a "witty" and "intelligent" woman who "knows her mind and isn't intimidated by anyone or anything".[5] Doddington noted Nicola's traits of preferring things to be easy and usually seeking opportunities to turn situations to her advantage. She concluded by detailing that "Nicola is not a woman's woman, and she's just not interested in women, not interested in female friendships, not interested in that support network".[5] She further noted that Nicola is "used to getting what she wants", having never learned as a child not to expect such.[5] Radio Times writer Helen Daly called the character a "fiery bombshell"[14] and was surprised by Nicola's tendency to be a "troublemaker" and noted that she had many "tricks up her sleeve".[2]

Relationship with Teddy Mitchell

[edit]

The character's backstory states that she and Teddy married young and discovered themselves while being together, before divorcing. Their lengthy history together lead them to gain the ability to "press each other's buttons" easily, being able to predict what would happen as a result.[5] Regarding the character's relationship with Teddy, Clenshaw commented that they had a "complicated history".[1] Doddington commented that their divorce helped Nicola examine her behaviour, and that she wanted "her family back as a unit".[5] She said that Nicola still harbored feelings for Teddy, despite the two being dysfunctional during their marriage, and Nicola's annoyance towards losing her ability to "manipulate" and stay "one step ahead [of]" Teddy.[5] After learning of Teddy's flirtation with Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), Doddington said Nicola and Sharon would "clash right away" as Nicola was determined to do "whatever it takes" to get Teddy back, so would try her best to "scupper" their relationship.[12]

Reception

[edit]

Nicola's "highly anticipated" arrival was called "dramatic" by Helen Daly of Radio Times.[14] Her colleague, James Hibbs, agreed, writing: "Albert Square has seen a dramatic entrance of a fiery newcomer, as Teddy Mitchell's ex-wife made a big arrival in EastEnders".[15] Fellow writer Laura Denby similarly praised the character's "eventful" introduction, noting appreciation for a joke Nicola make about Teddy's outfit, and that Doddington "delivered a powerful performance", adding that she was excited to see what future stories were to come for the character.[16] Angie Quinn of Manchester Evening News reported that fans of the soap were "obsessed" with the character after her arrival, and noted examples of viewers "confessing their love" for the character via Twitter.[17] The reveal of Nicola's past affair with Zack was deemed "scandalous" by Lewis Knight of Radio Times.[13] Joe Anderton of Digital Spy billed the character as "Walford's new drama queen".[18] At the end of Nicola's first week on the show, Daly wrote that she had been "a breath of fresh air".[2] Laura-Jayne Tyler of Inside Soap labelled the arrival of Nicola a "bullseye", and deemed the character "bloomin' brilliant".[19] She continued by praising Doddington's casting and called Nicola "the shot in the arm the extended Mitchell clan had been needing".[19]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "EastEnders to introduce Teddy's ex-wife Nicola Mitchell". BBC Media Centre. 2 October 2024. Archived from the original on 3 October 2024. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
  2. ^ a b c Daly, Helen (14 November 2024). "EastEnders reveals Peggy's gobsmacking new owner in early iPlayer release twist". Radio Times. Archived from the original on 15 November 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
  3. ^ a b Zammitt, Erin (2 October 2024). "EastEnders to introduce Teddy Mitchell's ex-wife in new story". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 7 October 2024. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
  4. ^ a b Nicola Mitchell Joins The Square! | Behind The Square | EastEnders (Video). Official EastEnders YouTube channel. 13 November 2024. Archived from the original on 13 November 2024. Retrieved 13 November 2024 – via YouTube.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i Denby, Laura (5 November 2024). "EastEnders newcomer Laura Doddington teases Nicola Mitchell's big secret: 'She feels exposed'". Radio Times. Archived from the original on 13 November 2024. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
  6. ^ a b Denby, Laura (2 October 2024). "EastEnders confirms arrival of Teddy Mitchell's ex-wife as Doctors star joins the cast". Radio Times. Archived from the original on 7 October 2024. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
  7. ^ Zammitt, Erin (5 November 2024). "EastEnders confirms Nicola Mitchell's arrival after dramatic arrest". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 16 November 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
  8. ^ Crick, Claire (5 November 2024). "EastEnders spoilers: Nicola Mitchell has a shocking proposition for Phil!". What's on TV. Archived from the original on 21 November 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
  9. ^ Denby, Laura (5 November 2024). "6 EastEnders spoilers for next week: Bernie Taylor confronts the Six as Nicola Mitchell arrives". Radio Times. Archived from the original on 14 November 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
  10. ^ Kilkelly, Daniel. "EastEnders spoiler: Nicola Mitchell arrives in Walford". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 10 November 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
  11. ^ "Episode 7011". EastEnders. 11 November 2024. 27 minutes in. BBC One. Archived from the original on 24 November 2024. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
  12. ^ a b c Tyler, Laura-Jayne (9–15 November 2024). "Here comes trouble!". Inside Soap. No. 45. pp. 10–12.
  13. ^ a b Knight, Lewis (13 November 2024). "EastEnders airs scandalous Nicola Mitchell revelations in early BBC iPlayer release". Radio Times. Archived from the original on 16 November 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
  14. ^ a b Daly, Helen (11 November 2024). "EastEnders airs dramatic arrival in early iPlayer release". Radio Times. Archived from the original on 13 November 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
  15. ^ Hibbs, James (11 November 2024). "Who is Laura Doddington? Meet EastEnders' Nicola Mitchell star". Radio Times. Archived from the original on 13 November 2024. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
  16. ^ Denby, Laura (12 November 2024). "EastEnders reveals Nicola Mitchell's big secret in early iPlayer release". Radio Times. Archived from the original on 13 November 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
  17. ^ Quinn, Angie (12 November 2024). "BBC EastEnders fans 'obsessed' with new character as she drops explosive bombshell". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 21 November 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
  18. ^ Anderton, Joe (13 November 2024). "EastEnders reveals Nicola's secret connection with popular character". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 16 November 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
  19. ^ a b Tyler, Laura-Jayne (23–29 November 2024). "Hits and Misses". Inside Soap. No. 47.

Category:EastEnders characters Category:Television characters introduced in 2024 Category:English female characters in television Category:Mitchell family (EastEnders) Category:Fictional beauticians Category:Fictional businesspeople in soap operas Category:Fictional con artists Category:Fictional criminals in soap operas Category:Fictional prisoners and detainees Category:Fictional thieves