BBC EastEnders icon ‘teases’ return after six years away from Walford
An EastEnders legend hinted 'never say no' on returning to Walford 18 years after their debut.
Former EastEnders actor Nitin Ganatra has teased a potential comeback for Walford favourite Masood Ahmed, six years after the character departed.
Nitin appeared alongside actress Nina Wadia, who portrayed his on-screen spouse, Zainab Masood, with the duo seizing the chance to depict a non-stereotypical Muslim family, bringing both drama and humour to their soap performances.
Masood made his debut in Walford in October 2007. However, following the breakdown of his marriage, he embarked on relationships with Carol Jackson (Lindsey Coulson), Jane (Laurie Brett), Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth), and Carmel Kazemi (Bonnie Langford), establishing himself as quite the ladies’ man on the Square.
Yet life proved challenging for Masood as he grappled with accepting his son Syed’s (Marc Elliott) sexuality when he fell in love with Christian Clarke (John Partridge). Masood also battled alcohol dependency and repeatedly found himself facing financial difficulties.
EastEnders’ Nitin Ganatra played Masood Ahmed on the BBC soap(Image: BBC)
In 2019, the postman ultimately departed Walford for a fresh start in Australia with his youngest son, Kamil. Masood has remained an iconic figure in Albert Square, and fans would undoubtedly give him a warm reception should he return, reports OK!.
Whilst promoting his latest film Christmas Karma, Nitin discussed his EastEnders character, revealing that there was considerable public interest in the popular character making a comeback.
“With EastEnders, everybody asks if I would return every day, I’m not even joking,” Nitin told Bang Showbiz. “I’m not exaggerating, three to four times a day, by people in the street or on social media. I would never say no, I love Masood.”
Masood was a hit with the ladies in EastEnders (Image: bbc )
When questioned about why the character has resonated so strongly with viewers, Nitin said: “He’s a funny character, but he also has heart.
“With Masood, we crossed a threshold where we were getting people from every walk of life, from every class, African people, Chinese people, saying I love you, Masood.”
The actor joked that if he spent time with Masood, he’d offer him some crucial advice.
EastEnders Nitin has teased an EastEnders return (Image: Graham Stone/REX/Shutterstock)
He continued: “He’s the sort of character that I would love to have a drink with, but also say you gotta calm it down with women.”
Nitin’s latest film, Christmas Karma, is helmed by Gurinder Chadha, who directed Bend It Like Beckham.
The festive production features Kunal Nayyar from The Big Bang Theory, ex-EastEnders star Danny Dyer, Hugh Bonneville from Downton Abbey, Eva Longoria, Billy Porter, and Boy George.
Christmas Karma is out in cinemas now.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer.
