In a stunning twist that has left viewers reeling, the BBC's flagship soap EastEnders has brought a notorious villain back from the grave. Nish Panesar, who met a dramatic end on New Year's Day 2025, made a shocking return during Wednesday's episode, haunting his son Ravi Gulati.
The Dramatic Death and Unexpected Resurrection
Fans will vividly recall the fateful night of 1 January 2025, when the wicked Nish Panesar, played by Navin Chowdhry, was pushed from a balcony by his own son, Ravi. In his final moments, Nish grabbed the saree of his ex-wife Suki, dragging her over the edge with him in a final, murderous act. While Suki survived the fall, Nish was pronounced dead, seemingly closing a chapter on one of Walford's most feared criminals.
Yet, in the episode aired on 7 January 2026, Nish's sinister presence was felt once more. The return was not a physical reappearance but a terrifying psychological one, masterminded as part of a revenge plot.
A Calculated Revenge Scheme Unfolds
The wheels of vengeance were set in motion by Nicola Mitchell and her son, Harry. Blaming Ravi for Harry's false imprisonment and subsequent heroin addiction, the pair conspired to make him pay. Their plan involved Nicola spiking Ravi's drink at her bar.
A disoriented Ravi was then taken to The Arches by Harry, who intended to torment him. The plan was interrupted by the arrival of Billy Mitchell, but the damage was already done. Left alone, a hallucinating Ravi was tormented by the sound of a familiar, chilling voice emerging from the shadows.
"There's no where to hide..." the voice of his dead father taunted, sending Ravi into a screaming frenzy against the brick walls. The haunting auditory hallucination confirmed Nish's unforgettable return to the storyline.
Fan Reaction and Theories on Consequences
The clever narrative device thrilled fans on social media. One viewer exclaimed on X: "Nish is back to give Ravi a taste of his own medicine, all thanks to Nicola MERCI DIEU!!!" Another praised the emotional impact, calling it "a nice surprise to hear Nish again."
Many are now speculating about the devastating fallout. A popular theory suggests Ravi's guilt-ridden visions could lead him to attack a real person, mistaking them for his father. Given Nish's history, potential targets are limited. Some fans believe Eve Unwin, Suki's wife, could be in danger.
"It wouldn't surprise me if subconsciously Ravi sees his refusal to kill Eve when ordered as the ultimate catalyst for his recent predicaments," one fan theorised online. This pivotal moment of defiance against Nish could now come back to haunt Ravi in the most dangerous way.
While viewers are delighted to see Ravi face karma for his actions, concerns remain that Nicola and Harry's dangerous scheme may ultimately backfire on them. However, for now, the ghost of Nish Panesar has successfully returned to unleash a new wave of terror on Albert Square.
