Who is Ash Panesar in EastEnders? Past history explained as character returns with a twist

Who is Ash Panesar in EastEnders? Past history explained as character returns with a twist | Freelance Soaps Reporter Published September 7, 2026 11:18am Updated September 7, 2026 11:18am Ash is back… (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron) While the Suki (Balvinder Sopal) of today is a very different lady to the Suki of years past, her previous incarnation caused the absolute decay of her relationship with daughter Ash in EastEnders. When Ash arrived in Walford as the girlfriend of Iqra Ahmed (Priya Davdra), she had no relationship with her family; the relationship between them had collapsed due to Suki’s disapproval of Ash’s sexuality and decision to have an abortion at age 19. The sheer chaos and carnage that perennially surrounded the Panesar clan had a huge impact on Ash, and Suki eventually succeeded in manipulating her into accepting a job in Canada, which would see her escape from the increasing danger they faced, which brought an end to her tenure on Albert Square. While she’s remained close with brother, Vinny (Shiv Jalota), the relationship between mother and daughter is non-existent, despite Suki’s attempts to re-connect. She’ll get another chance to put things right, though, with Ash about to return to her old stomping grounds – this time with a new face. With the announcement of Ash’s return, ‘Enders boss, Ben Wadey, said: ‘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 and Suki’s relationship is in a terrible place (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron) Taking over the role from Gurlaine Kaur Garcha, 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! ‘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.’ Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. We know, though, that newer viewers might not remember Ash, and long-timers might need a little refresher. Worry not, though, Metro have you covered! The original line-up of Panesar siblings (Picture: BBC) Ash initially kept her background incredible private, refusing to open up about her family life to Iqra, frustrating her greatly and impacting their relationship. As her brothers Vinny, Jags and Kheerat (Amar Adatia and Jaz Deol) tracked her to Walford, it became clear that their reaction to her abortion had been what damaged Ash’s relationship with her family, and she told Vinny that she wanted nothing more to do with their mum, Suki. Suki’s arrival only served to further damage their already fragile bond, with Suki sleeping with Ash’s new boyfriend, Peter Beale (Dayle Hudson). Ash eventually escaped her insidious family (Picture: BBC) Ash later found herself the focus of a hideous racist campaign by far-right extremist, Aaron Monroe (Charlie Wernham), and with both her work and home life becoming increasingly steeped in drama and trauma, she took a break from Walford. When she returned, however, she found herself victim of a blackmail campaign orchestrated by her mum’s now-wife, Eve Panesar-Unwin (Heather Peace), and as her dad, Nish Panesar (Navin Chowdhry) was released from prison, she found herself sinking deeper into the darkness at the root of the Panesar family. When offered a job in Canada, Nish commanded Suki to convince Ash to stay, though she took the opportunity to ensure that her daughter left, and Ash left the Square, and her insidious family, behind to begin a new life in a new country. 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 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.