A familiar face is returning to Albert Square.
Ash Panesar is set to make a comeback to EastEnders, but this time played by actress Sakira Vel, three years after the character was last seen on screen.
Ash was originally played by Gurlaine Kaur Garcha and featured in a range of big storylines that avid fans of the show might remember.
Ash Panesar is returning to EastEnders to create "new challenges"
Ms 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."
Ash was last seen leaving Walford for a job in Canada.
EastEnders executive producer 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 is the daughter of Suki Kaur Panesar (Balvinder Sopal) and Nish Panesar (Navin Chowdhry).
One of Ash's main storylines involved facing tension from her family including her mother Suki because of her sexual orientation.
Suki struggled to accept Ash's sexuality, as she felt uncomfortable in herself and her internalised homophobia she felt after her kiss with Honey Mitchell.
The pair were able to repair their relationship for a period of time after Suki accepted herself.
Who is Sakira Vel?
Sakira is a British actress of South Asian heritage and was born and raised in east London.
She trained as an emergency medical doctor and worked for the NHS and in Australia before transitioning into acting.
She has had a few small roles in short films, including in Gym Buddy and How Much More?
She also appeared in one episode of Retracing Jemma as Rose.
Are you excited for Ash to return to EastEnders and cause "new challenges" for her family? Let us know in the comments.
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