Ash Panesar returning to EastEnders

With newcomer Sakira Vel taking on the role.

EastEnders has confirmed that Ashneet "Ash" Kaur Panesar is set to make a return to Albert Square this autumn, with Sakira Vel taking on the role of Ash that was last played by Gurlaine Kaur Garcha.

Ash was last seen in Walford three years ago when she left for a job in Canada. Since then, she has had limited contact with her family, so her return to Walford is bound to come as a shock to the Panesars.

On taking on the role and making her television debut, Sakira Vel said “When I got the call offering me the role, I don't think I could truly believe it until I finally made it onto the Square! EastEnders is an absolute television icon, and the show was essentially the backdrop to my childhood. Taking on the role of Ash is a real honour and I cannot wait for the audience to see what we have in store as she dives straight into the Panesar family chaos.”

To which Executive Producer Ben Wadey added “We’re delighted to welcome Ash back to Walford and to have Sakira Vel join the EastEnders cast. With unresolved tensions still simmering between Ash and her family, her unexpected return is set to create new challenges for the Panesar family.”

EastEnders continues Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One with first look episodes available from 6am on BBC iPlayer