From Albert Square to the Cobbles?
Legendary actress Nina Wadia, best known for her six-year stint as the formidable Zainab Masood on BBC's EastEnders, has set her sights on a potential move to the rival soap Coronation Street. The actress, who left the Walford-based series in 2013, revealed her ambitions in a recent interview.
A Soap Opera Dream
Speaking to The Daily Star, Wadia did not hold back her enthusiasm for the iconic Manchester-based show. "I’d love to tread the cobbles. That would be a lot of fun," she confessed. She elaborated on the unique appeal of soap work, explaining, "When you’re on a soap, you get the chance to develop your character during a workshop at the start. Then because you’re living the character, you find out more about them."
While she confirmed that no formal offers from soaps are currently on the table, she remains open to the possibility. "I haven’t been offered any soap roles lately, but who knows what will happen?" she mused. Wadia even admitted to knowing a few members of the Coronation Street cast but was quick to add, "I wouldn’t put them under pressure to help me get a role!"
A Prolific Career Beyond the Square
Nina Wadia's career is far from limited to her time in Albert Square. She first joined EastEnders in 2007, but her acting credits are extensive and varied. Audiences will recognise her from classics like Goodness Gracious Me and The Vicar of Dibley, as well as dramas such as Holby City.
In recent years, her career has continued to ascend with roles in major productions including The Sandman, The Outlaws, and Midsomer Murders, with more projects reportedly in the pipeline. Her most recent TV appearance was in 2023, playing Binta Prabhu in the now-cancelled BBC drama Doctors.
Her talents also extend beyond the screen. Wadia has ventured into radio and theatre, making her pantomime debut in 2023 as Fairy Sugarsnap in Jack and the Beanstalk in York. This role led to a particularly memorable moment when she helped facilitate her niece's engagement during a performance. "I felt so privileged to be a part of my niece's love story," she told the BBC.
Embracing the Hard Work
Reflecting on her time in soaps, Wadia acknowledges the demanding schedule but thrives on the challenge. She credits her six years on EastEnders with preparing her for long hours, stating that she "loves" hard work and it is what she "thrives on."
Although not actively seeking a return to a soap, she emphasised her readiness to push herself if the perfect role emerges. Her passion for her craft is undeniable, as she admitted that working on a soap is "very busy" but immensely rewarding.
Wadia has also tested her mettle in the world of reality television, having been a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2021, though her journey was cut short when she became the first celebrity to be voted off that series.
