EastEnders recasts Ash Panesar role after three-year absence
EastEnders has announced the return of Ashneet "Ash" Kaur Panesar but she'll be looking a little different this time around. After three years away from Albert Square, Suki's daughter is on her way back this autumn, but it won't be Gurlaine Kaur Garcha in the role.
The soap has revealed that the role of Ash has been recast, with Sakira Vel taking over from Garcha.
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In a press release, EastEnders said: "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."
Speaking about taking over the role of Ash, 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."
Meanwhile, executive producer Ben Wadey added: "We’re delighted to welcome Ash back to Walford and to have Sakira Vel join the EastEnders cast.
Related: EastEnders' Kellie Bright shares heartfelt message with fans after exit news
"With unresolved tensions still simmering between Ash and her family, her unexpected return is set to create new challenges for the Panesar family."
Ash left Walford on bad terms with her mum Suki and last year it was revealed that she was engaged, after Suki's wife Eve saw her post on social media.
Her return comes just as brother Vinny is about to welcome his first child with partner Penny Branning.
EastEnders airs on Mondays-Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.
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