SOAP SHOCK EastEnders signs Strictly star Laila Rouass for steamy new storyline
The actress speaks for the first time about joining the iconic soap
EASTENDERS has signed up actress Laila Rouass for an intriguing new storyline.
New character Ayesha, played by Laila, is set to arrive in Walford following an invitation from Nish (Navin Chowdhry).
It soon becomes clear that she has history with him, Suki and the Panesar family.
Laila, who is best-known for her roles in Holby City, Primeval and Footballer’s Wives, will take on the role of Ayesha for a guest stint on the BBC soap.
It will transpire that Ayesha knew Suki and Nish a long time ago, but they haven’t been in touch for many years.
Discussing her upcoming appearance, Laila said: “I cannot tell you how excited I am to be in EastEnders!
“I was born in the East End and grew up there, and there was such a buzz when the show started.
“Even though I was little at the time, I can clearly remember the first episode and Doctor Legg arriving at the flat where Reg Cox had been murdered.
“I’ve also known Navin Chowdhry (Nish Panesar) for many years, so it was great to work with him again and to do scenes with Balvinder Sopal (Suki Panesar) and the rest of the Panesars as Ayesha reunites with them.
“This is a lifelong dream come true!”
Ayesha is reuniting with the Panesars amid a tumultous time for the clan in Albert Square.
One of their youngest members, Davinder “Nugget” Gulati (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury) was rushed to hospital in recent scenes.
Nugget and his friend Denzel Danes (Jaden Ladenga) had been using steroids unbeknown to their boxer trainer Zack Hudson (James Farrar).
Meanwhile, a dying Nish received a shock offer from his ex daughter-in-law Priya (Sophie Khan Levy).
Priya proposed giving the villain sexual favours, in exchange for all his money after he’s gone.
The idea was to help secure the futures of Priya’s children – Nugget and Avani (Aaliyah James).
This plan backfired after Priya refused to tell the others about her and Nish’s deal – prompting him to expose her as retaliation, saying that she threw herself at him.
As a result, Priya was subsequently thrown out and left alone on the streets with no one to turn to.
Will Ayesha’s arrival spell justice being served to Nish?
Or will he continue to get away with his manipulation?
EastEnders airs on BBC One and is available on iPlayer.
