Popular EastEnders character returns after three years off-screen – but original actor is dumped in favour of new face

EASTENDERS is bringing back a popular character after three years off-screen – but with a new actor taking on the role. The character in question has ties to one of the biggest families currently in Albert Square. Ash Panesar is returning to EastEnders – with new actress Sakira Vel playing the role Credit: BBC Ash will be reunited with her mother Suki, played by Balvinder Sopal Credit: BBC Ash Panesar is returning to Walford, having left back in March 2023 to take a job in Canada. Having had brief contact with her family since, it would seem likely that Ash’s return will ruffle feathers. Sign up for the Eastenders newsletter Thank you! In her TV debut, new actress Sakira Vel is stepping into the role of Ash this time around. She succeeds Gurlaine Kaur Garcha, who played the character in her original 2019 to 2023 stint. Gurlaine Kaur Garcha portrayed Ash in her original stint Credit: BBC Ash originally appeared on the soap from 2019 to 2023 Credit: BBC Discussing joining EastEnders, Sakira 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.” The soap’s executive producer, Ben Wadey, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Ash back to Walford and to have Sakira Vel join the EastEnders cast. Most read in TV “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 amid The Sun revealing that Aaron Thiara – who plays her half-brother Ravi Gulati – has quit the BBC soap after four years. Meanwhile, original actress Gurlaine tied the knot with boyfriend Max earlier this year. Comment now