Tina Hopkins

Tina Hopkins made her first appearance on 5 February 1987. She is portrayed by Eleanor Rhodes.

Storylines
Tina is introduced as Ian Beale’s girlfriend in February 1987. Ian’s friend Kelvin Carpenter takes a shine to Tina and makes several passes at her, which she shuns.

Tina gets a job working at Naima Jeffery’s grocery store, the First Til Last, and by May 1987 she and Ian decide that they want to move in together. They manage to persuade Kelvin to rent them one of his father’s flats, and although their parents’ are against it, they move in with each other in July 1987.

Things do not go well for the couple. They find it difficult to pay the rent and when money goes missing from the cash register at Tina’s workplace, Naima accuses her of stealing it (it was actually one of Mary Smith’s wayward friends named Sandra). Tina eventually manages to clear her name with the help of Rod Norman, who sets a trap for the real thief.

Shortly after, Tina’s parents arrive in Walford on an impromptu visit from Ilford. They let themselves into Tina’s flat and are horrified to discover what a mess it is in. When they discover that Simon Wicks and Magda Czajkowski live next door in an adjoining room, they decide that Tina cannot remain living there. Despite Tina’s protests, they pack her bags and drag her back to Ilford to live with them in September 1987. Tina is not seen again.