EastEnders airs Monday – Thursday on BBC One with catchup via iPlayer, Classic EastEnders airs on Drama with catchup on U.
Ashneet “Ash” Kaur Panesar is set to make a return to Albert Square this autumn, with Sakira Vel taking on the role of Ash.
Ash was last seen in Walford three years ago when she left for a job in Canada. Since then, she has had limited contact with her family, so her return to Walford is bound to come as a shock to the Panesars.
On taking on the role and making her television debut, Sakira Vel said: “When I got the call offering me the role, I don’t think I could truly believe it until I finally made it onto the Square! EastEnders is an absolute television icon, and the show was essentially the backdrop to my childhood. Taking on the role of Ash is a real honour and I cannot wait for the audience to see what we have in store as she dives straight into the Panesar family chaos”.
Executive Producer Ben Wadey said: “We’re delighted to welcome Ash back to Walford and to have Sakira Vel join the EastEnders cast. With unresolved tensions still simmering between Ash and her family, her unexpected return is set to create new challenges for the Panesar family”.
A shock for Suki (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron)