Suki and Eve Panesar-Unwin (Balvinder Sopal and Heather Peace) are facing the possibility of losing their foster daughter Ria in EastEnders, after her biological mother requests a meeting.
The couple went through considerable difficulty to become foster parents to young Ria. Their journey began when Suki discovered that Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James) was pregnant, and her desire to raise the baby clouded her judgement. Suki acted heinously to convince Avani to continue with a pregnancy she clearly did not want, so that she and Eve could raise the child.
A Difficult Road to Fostering
The path to fostering was far from smooth. Eve's mother Norma (Jessica Turner) tried her hardest to obstruct the process, while Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) and Priya Nandra-Hart's (Sophie Khan Levy) family collapsed. Suki also clashed viciously with her son Vinny Panesar (Shiv Jalota) when she learned he was expecting a baby with Penny Branning (Kitty Castledine).
Despite these obstacles, Suki and Eve were accepted by the panel and welcomed a young girl called Ria into their home.
Fresh Challenge Ahead
Next week, Suki and Eve face a new challenge with Ria when it is revealed that her biological mother wants to meet them. Prior to this, Eve and Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) catch up while Ria and Albie have a playdate.
When an upset Ash Panesar (Sakira Vel) arrives after news about her divorce, Eve takes her to the pub. Suki is unimpressed to find Ash and Eve tipsy, and then learns the news about Ria's mum.
Heartbreak at the Meeting
With Suki refusing to attend, Eve convinces Ash to come along to the meeting with Harleen at Knight Fusion. Things get off to an awkward start, but matters are made worse when Suki starts arguing with Ash in the kitchen, and it is spotted by Harleen.
The meeting with Harleen ends with Eve and Suki feeling broken. Later, Suki tells Sharon about what happened, and Sharon encourages Suki to fight for Ria. It remains to be seen whether that will be enough, or whether the couple will be forced to say goodbye to her.
