Major EastEnders return confirmed after three years as key character is recast

| Deputy Soaps Editor Published September 6, 2026 9:00pm Ash is back (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron) EastEnders is welcoming back Ash Panesar after almost four years away, with star Sakira Vel taking over the role. The character, previously played Gurlaine Kaur Garcha, had a difficult relationship with mum Suki Panesar-Unwin (Balvinder Sopal) and was last seen in Walford when she decided to take a job in Canada. Her decision to leave the Square behind didn’t go down too well with Suki, who has attempted to make amends with her daughter over their fractured relationship in the years since – to no avail. Ash has had limited contact with her family since departing Walford and got engaged last year – with brother Vinny (Shiv Jalota) invited to the engagement party while mum Suki was left out. The strained mother and daughter relationship will be explored once more in upcoming scenes, with Ash set to return to Walford. And it’s safe to say the Panesars will be rocked by her comeback. Discussing taking over the role of Ash – and making her TV debut – star 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! A blast from the past for Suki as estranged daughter Ash returns (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron) ‘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. Ash was previously played by Gurlaine Kaur Garcha (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes) Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. ‘With unresolved tensions still simmering between Ash and her family, her unexpected return is set to create new challenges for the Panesar family’. Ash was a mainstay of EastEnders between 2019 and 2023, with Gurlaine Kaur Garcha in the role. The character arrived on the Square shortly after her family’s debut and it became apparent that she was estranged from her mum at the time. Deals of the Day An Instagram mattress left me with back pain – this one completely changed my mind Book Val d'Isère, Val Thorens and Tignes for less in Club Med's ski sale Save 25% on red light therapy masks, sauna blankets and sleep gadgets in Bon Charge sale The viral LED face mask with over 350 lights that's currently discounted by £100 A friend said I looked 'snatched' – I credit this new Charlotte Tilbury powder EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on or stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer. If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. Arrow MORE: EastEnders boss confirms major new story for Suki and Eve after quiet spell Arrow MORE: Heartbreak and rage for EastEnders’ Suki and Eve as Ria is injured The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.