Sakira Vel as Ash Panesar on EastEnders / © BBC
The role of Ash Panesar has been recast in EastEnders ahead of the character’s return later this month, it has been announced.
Ash – the doctor daughter of Suki (Balvinder Sopal) – moved to Albert Square with her family in 2019 but left Walford three-and-a-half years ago for a new job in Canada.
Since then she has had limited contact with her family, prompting questions about what exactly has drawn her back to the UK.
Previously Ash was played by Gurlaine Kaur Garcha but the part has now been taken over by newcomer Sakira Vel, who – similar to her new character – previously worked in the NHS for a decade.
“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!” said Vel. “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 added: “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.”
Ash’s return comes several months before the departure of her half-brother Ravi (Aaron Thiara) early next year.
