EastEnders fans are speculating that Ravi Gulati, played by Aaron Thiara, could be the mystery gunman in the show's flash-forward episode, following reports of his impending exit from the soap.
Exit Confirmed After Four Years
It was reported over the weekend that Aaron Thiara would be leaving Walford after four years. Ravi has been at the centre of numerous high-octane storylines, including killing both his fathers and falling in love with Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan Levy).
His departure will require a significant exit storyline, similar to that of Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), who is also set to leave the show.
Flash-Forward Hints
Earlier this year, a flash-forward episode aired in January, showing events from New Year's Day 2027, where Max Branning's (Jake Wood) children, Oscar (Pierre Counihan-Moullier) and Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa), are held hostage by a mysterious gunman.
While the identity of the gunman has not been revealed, fans are now wondering if Ravi could be the culprit. One X/Twitter user, GG, said: 'Ravi [is] the gunman then.' Another user, sukeve_xo, wrote: 'This confirms my theory that Priya is the pregnant woman in Max's bed and Ravi is the gunman.' Rebecca added: 'I think Ravi is going to be the gunman and will either die or go to prison and that'll be how he leaves next year.'
Motives and Possible Exit
Ravi's potential motive could be his affair with Priya. After returning to the Square following a stay in a mental health facility, Ravi was determined to win Priya back, but discovered she was seeing a mystery man, who is revealed to be her boss Max, set to marry Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins).
If Ravi uncovers the truth about Max and Priya, he might seek revenge by taking Max's children hostage, forcing him to choose between them on New Year's Day.
A source told The Sun that Aaron will remain filming until the end of the year, suggesting his departure could be tied to the January 1 episode. EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or streams from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
