The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the BBC soap opera EastEnders in 2001, by order of appearance. All characters were introduced by the show's executive producer, John Yorke. The first character to be introduced was , a detective chief inspector who investigates the shooting of local hardman Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden). April saw the introductions of: (Gareth Hunt), an associate of Phil, (Gary Beadle), the son of Audrey Trueman (Corinne Skinner-Carter) and brother of Anthony Trueman (Nicholas Bailey), and (Alison Senior; Paula Jennings), the mistress of Trevor Morgan (Alex Ferns). (Michael Elphick), the brother of Charlie Slater (Derek Martin), and (Bruce Byron), the father of Robbie Jackson (Dean Gaffney), made their debuts in May, whereas (Susan George), a love interest for Terry Raymond (Gavin Richards), and (Goldie), a gangster, made their first appearances in June. (Rudolph Walker), the former husband of Audrey and replacement parental figure for Paul and Anthony, was introduced in September. (Leanne Lakey), Charlie's daughter, and , Charlie's deceased wife, appear for guest stints in October. November saw the only baby being introduced, Louise Mitchell (Rachel Cox), the daughter of Phil and Lisa Fowler (Lucy Benjamin). Also, November saw the first appearances of: (Doug Allen), the illegitimate son of Roy Evans (Tony Caunter), (Bindya Solanki), a love interest for Robbie, (Ann Mitchell), Nathan's mother, and , the childhood friend of Pauline Fowler (Wendy Richard). (Tracy Brabin), a pimp who grooms Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan), (Brooke Kinsella), a prostitute groomed by Roxy, and (Shaun Dooley), a vicar, were introduced in December.