EastEnders Nish Panesar star’s marriage with wife who bravely battled cancer
EastEnders' Nish Panesar is regularly abusive towards ex-wife Suki Panesar but in real life, actor Navin Chowdhry has been happily married for more than a decade
EastEnders star Navin Chowdhry has been happily married to his wife Charlie for 12 years.
The actor, 53, joined the BBC soap as Nish Panesar in September 2022. He has quickly carved himself out to be one of Albert Square’s biggest villains, regularly abusing ex-wife Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal).
During Thursday’s episode (February 29) of the soap, Nish turned violent against Suki once again – but this time, his wider family were there to witness it. Horrified by Nish’s brutality, the Panesar’s made a defiant stand and hurled Nish onto the street.
Away from the soap, Navin couldn’t be further from his evil character. In July 2011, the Doctor Who star tied the knot with Charlie.
To mark their 10 year anniversary, Navin shared a sweet snap of him and his wife on Instagram alongside a gushing tribute. “To my wife – the strongest, bravest, loudest woman I have ever met and the most positive light in my life – I love you,” he wrote.
The couple share two sons together, aged 11 and eight. To celebrate their children’s birthdays, Navin posted an adorable photo from the moment they met.
“When our boys met for the very first time – Without question the most magical moment of our lives,” he told his followers. “This week they hit 8 and 11!! Happy Birthday Boys. You are quite simply the most beautiful (and exhausting!) adventure we could have ever imagined.”
Navin and Charlie’s marriage hasn’t been without its hardships as she was sadly diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. The Star Wars actor regularly shares updates of Charlie’s progress online and revealed in February 2023 that she underwent surgery.
Following her near-three-hour operation, Navin took the time to praise his “warrior” spouse and others going through similar ordeals. “My wife was diagnosed with triple-positive breast cancer back in the summer of 2020, and like so many of you out there, it just opens a door to a world you hope you never see,” he began in an Instagram video.
“Being sat here now, during the surgery, it just hits home, the bravery and courage and heart and soul and spirit of all you cancer warriors out there, and just how profoundly moving your resilience and the fight that you have within you to take this battle on.”
The soap star added: “To my wife and to all of you cancer warriors out there, I am just totally in awe of the strength that you have within yourselves. You are an inspiration and you all are just extraordinary.” Earlier this year, Navin shared a video of the moment he shaved Charlie’s head before she began chemotherapy.
In the background, one of their sons could be heard saying: “Mummy has to do it today or it will fall out”. Navin used the same quote for his caption, adding: “3 years ago. #cancerwarrior.”
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One at 7.30pm
