EastEnders icon return ‘sealed’ 11 years after exit but fans ‘rumble’ shock death twist
EastEnders' Zainab Masood left Walford in 2013 and after the icon got a mention on the soap this week fans reckon she could return - but predict a heartbreaking death twist
EastEnders has offered an update on soap icon Zainab Masood – but fans are fearing a major death twist is on the cards.
The character, played by Nina Wadia, was the outspoken feisty matriarch of the Masood clan and rocked up to Walford back in 2007. And she was involved in big storylines, including her struggles with her son’s sexuality and the return of her abusive first husband Yusef.
But in 2013, Zainab said goodbye to Albert Square when she left Walford with her son Kamil to pursue a new life in Pakistan. Whereas in real life, Nina said she exited from EastEnders in a bid to pursue other acting roles.
However, over in the famous square this week, the soap has given fans an update on Zainab. Viewers will recall how Zainab’s granddaughter Jade recently arrived in Walford.
Jade is the daughter of Shabnam and Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo) – who also made a return to the soap last year. She has since moved in with her dad, but during Wednesday’s episode (February 28) Jade was left with a huge decision.
Mum Shabnam called Jade and told her that they were moving to Pakistan to be with Zainab. It was then revealed that Zainab was unwell.
Although Zainab would be okay and it wasn’t too serious, Shabnam still wanted to move closer to be with her, and demanded Jade to come as well. It’s fair to say the mention of Zainab got fans of the long-running soap in a frenzy online. But hearing that she is not well has got them thinking bosses could kill her off.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, one person proclaimed: “wtf?! Zainab is ill?! Don’t be doing nothing to her. make sure she is kept safe!!” Someone else added: “Nooo, don’t kill Zainab off!” A third quipped: “Jade saying that her nanny isn’t well and they’re moving to Pakistan, I wonder if that’s meant to suggest Zainab being unwell.”
Other fans reckon the mention could indicate a return for Zainab. One person said: “Really hoping this is Shabnam coming back. I expect a recast but surely it’s going to happen? And Zainab returns?!” A second agreed and penned: “I hope Jade being in #Eastenders paves the way for the return of Zainab.”
