EastEnders fans are hoping one Walford icon will make a return 18 years after their first appearance.
Former EastEnders actor Nitin Ganatra has teased the potential comeback of Walford’s Masood Ahmed, six years after the character bid farewell.
Nitin shared the screen with actress Nina Wadia, who played his on-screen spouse, Zainab Masood. The duo seized the opportunity to portray a non-stereotypical Muslim couple, infusing their soap roles with both drama and humour.
Masood made his first appearance in Walford in October 2007. Following the breakdown of his marriage, he had romantic entanglements with Carol Jackson (Lindsey Coulson), Jane (Laurie Brett), Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth), and Carmel Kazemi (Bonnie Langford), earning him quite the reputation around the Square.
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However, life wasn’t always smooth sailing for Masood as he grappled with accepting his son, Syed’s (Marc Elliott), sexuality when he fell for Christian Clarke (John Partridge). Masood also battled alcohol addiction and frequently found himself drowning in debt.
In 2019, the postman packed his bags for a fresh start in Australia with his youngest son, Kamil. Since then, Masood has remained a legend in Albert Square, and fans would undoubtedly welcome his return with open arms, reports OK!.
While promoting his new film Christmas Karma, Nitin reflected on his EastEnders role, revealing that there’s significant public interest in seeing the much-loved character make a comeback.
“With EastEnders, everybody asks if I would return every day, I’m not even joking,” Nitin confessed to Bang Showbiz.
“I’m not exaggerating, three to four times a day, by people in the street or on social media. I would never say no, I love Masood.”
When questioned about why he believes the character has gained such devoted fans, Nitin revealed: “He’s a funny character, but he also has heart.
“With Masood, we crossed a threshold where we were getting people from every walk of life, from every class, African people, Chinese people, saying I love you, Masood.”
The actor quipped that if he spent time with Masood, he’d offer him some crucial guidance.
He continued: “He’s the sort of character that I would love to have a drink with, but also say you gotta calm it down with women.”
Nitin’s latest film, Christmas Karma, is helmed by Gurinder Chadha, who previously directed Bend It Like Beckham.
The seasonal movie features Kunal Nayyar from The Big Bang Theory, ex-EastEnders actor Danny Dyer, Hugh Bonneville from Downton Abbey, Eva Longoria, Billy Porter, and Boy George.
Christmas Karma is out in cinemas now.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer.
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