Suki Panesar-Unwin's old ways are set to return in upcoming EastEnders scenes, with an unexpected outcome, actress Balvinder Sopal has revealed. The character, played by Sopal, has mellowed since her first appearance, largely thanks to her relationship with wife Eve Panesar-Unwin (Heather Peace). However, turmoil surrounding Ria's adoption hearing will bring back flashes of the old Suki.
Fostering brings challenges
Fostering Ria has given Suki and Eve the opportunity to expand their family and, for Suki, a second chance at motherhood. Viewers know Suki has a complicated relationship with her children, especially the recently returned Ash (Sakira Vel).
“The process has brought plenty of challenges and, as this is Walford, nothing is ever straightforward,” Sopal said of the fostering storyline. “It's also forced Suki to confront her insecurities about motherhood as she carries guilt for her past mistakes as a parent.”
Secret meeting before the hearing
The next stage of Suki and Eve's journey to adopt Ria involves an official hearing, but things do not go smoothly in the run-up. The day before the hearing, Suki secretly arranges for Ria to meet her biological mother Harleen again, despite the fact that things did not go to plan during their first meeting.
“Suki was already sceptical about meeting Harleen and, unfortunately, her concerns proved justified,” Sopal said. “The situation added more pressure at a time when everyone was trying to put their best foot forward.”
“Suki feels guilty about what happened, and that guilt drives her actions this week,” she added. “We see flashes of the old Suki emerge, but things don't necessarily go the way she expects.”
A sign of change
Inviting Harleen to see Ria again is a bold move, given that she witnessed Suki and Ash arguing the first time. Sopal pointed out that this is a testament to how much Suki has changed.
“Suki is torn between protecting what she wants and doing what she believes is right,” Sopal explained. “The old Suki would have focused solely on the outcome she wanted, but she's changed. Her maternal instincts take over, and she recognises that Harleen deserves the chance to say goodbye.”
Following the meeting, Suki makes an impassioned plea at the hearing, but the next day Eve gives her the cold shoulder. The outcome of the adoption hearing remains to be seen.
