Speaking exclusively with Radio Times while on the red carpet for the National Television Awards 2026, EastEnders star Shiv Jalota has teased the upcoming return of Ash Panesar.
When she returns, Ash, the sister of Jalota’s character Vinny, will be played by a new actress, with Sakira Vel taking over from Gurlaine Kaur Garcha, who left the soap in 2023.
Speaking about Ash’s return and Vel’s new take on the character, Jalota said: “It’s amazing. The actress, Sakira, she’s fantastic, and she brings a different energy to Ash.”
He also teased that Ash’s return will have an impact on “the relationship with Suki and Eve as well”, and that there’s “a lot of drama to come up for that”.
Shiv Jalota as Vinny Panesar BBC
“It’s nice for Vinny to have his sister back,” Jalota said. “Things have changed. Nish is dead. There’s a lot of drama that’s happened, so yeah, it’s exciting.”
When the recast was announced, Vel, who is making her television debut in the role, said in a statement: “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.”
Want to see this content?
Accept and continue
Meanwhile, 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.”
Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers.
Add EastEnders to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.
Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.