EastEnders has announced that Ash Panesar will be returning to Albert Square, with the character now being played by Sakira Vel. The role was originally portrayed by Gurlaine Kaur Garcha, who first appeared in 2019 and left Walford in 2023 for a new job in Canada.
Sakira Vel takes on the role
Sakira Vel, who makes her television debut with this role, 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 is the on-screen daughter of Suki Panesar (Bavinder Sopal) and Nish Panesar (Navin Chowdry), but has had limited contact with her family since leaving. With her father having departed the programme earlier this year, she is expected to reunite with her mother, though things are unlikely to run smoothly.
Producer promises new challenges
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.
