EastEnders confirms George’s ‘final’ opponent – and it’s a big shock
Junior Knight has finally arrived
This article contains spoilers from an episode of EastEnders that hasn’t aired on BBC One yet, but is available to view on BBC iPlayer.
George Knight (Colin Salmon) headed into the ring again in Monday’s (May 13) episode of EastEnders, but got quite the shock when he discovered the identity of his opponent – his son, Junior (Micah Balfour).
Last week, George ended up in hospital after collapsing at Gloria’s (Elizabeth Counsell) memorial. There, he was told he has a condition called Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), which develops in the brain as a result of multiple blows to the head.
George wasn’t exactly surprised when he received the diagnosis, given his history as a boxer.
Junior Knight has finally arrived
However, the doctor then gave George a huge warning and said if he was to return to the ring in the near future, one punch to the head could be enough to kill him.
In tonight’s episode, Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe) returned to Walford with the intention of talking to Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) about her kiss with George, but got a surprise when Cindy mentioned George’s intentions of attending a fight that evening.
The Knights and Cindy spent the entire day trying to stop George from putting his life in danger, but he didn’t listen.
As Ollie returned home from school, Elaine realised George wasn’t around to help him with his model plane.
The penny dropping, Elaine found Gina Knight (Francesca Henry) and Anna Knight (Molly Rainford), and then headed to the Beale household to update Cindy.
The group made their way over to the location of George’s fight, terrified about what may happen.
As George psyched himself up, he entered the ring, surrounded by a group of cheering men.
Just as the opponent turned, George’s face dropped.
Stood in front of him – looking more than ready to fight – was his son Junior.
But how will this play out?
On landing the role of Junior, actor Micah enthused: ‘I’m thrilled to be joining the cast of EastEnders as part of the Knight family.
‘I grew up watching the show and many of the characters have been part of my life for as long as I can remember, so walking onto the Square for the first time was the most surreal experience of my career!
‘It’s a privilege to work with Colin Salmon, who I’ve watched with admiration for many years, and Francesca Henry and Molly Rainford, who are dynamite on screen, as well as the amazing Harriet Thorpe and Kellie Bright.
‘Junior is an exciting character to play as he’s a complex man, and he’s going to cause a bit of a stir!’
Chris Clenshaw, Executive Producer, added: ‘I’m delighted to welcome Micah Balfour to the cast of EastEnders as he takes on the role of Junior Knight.
‘Although Junior has been referenced since The Knights arrived in the Square, the audience knows very little about George’s son and the circumstances behind their estrangement.
‘Junior arrives in Walford following an unlikely meet with his dad and is quickly thrust into the heart of the drama.
‘However, it will soon become apparent to viewers that there is more to Junior than meets the eye…’
