EastEnders confirms Ash Panesar return with new actress

EastEnders has confirmed Ash Panesar is heading back to Albert Square this autumn, more than three years after she left Walford for a new life in Canada.

The character will look a little different when she returns, with Sakira Vel taking over the role of Ash. Sakira will make her television debut in the soap, stepping into the Panesar family at a particularly interesting time.

Ash has had limited contact with her relatives since leaving Walford, and her unexpected arrival is set to stir up unresolved tensions within the family. EastEnders has already teased that her comeback will bring fresh challenges for the Panesars, suggesting viewers could be in for some difficult reunions.

Speaking about joining the soap, Sakira described EastEnders as a television icon that had been part of her childhood. She also said taking on the role of Ash was a “real honour” and teased that the character will be thrown straight back into Panesar family drama.

Executive producer Ben Wadey said the team was delighted to welcome Ash back to Walford, confirming that tensions between her and her family remain unresolved.

Exactly what brings Ash back to Albert Square has yet to be revealed, but her return adds another familiar Panesar to the current family setup.

EastEnders continues on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with Ash returning to Walford this autumn.Image credits - BBC