❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).

EastEnders star teases "different energy" with Ash Panesar recast ahead of return

"There's a lot of drama to to come up for that."

Sakira Vel as Ash Panesar in EastEnders

BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

Published: Tuesday, 8 September 2026 at 9:28 pm

Subscribe to Radio Times: 10 weeks for £10, including the Christmas double issue

Speaking exclusively with Radio Times while on the red carpet for the National Television Awards 2026, EastEnders star Shiv Jalota has teased the upcoming return of Ash Panesar.

Ad

When she returns, Ash, the sister of Jalota's character Vinny, will be played by a new actress, with Sakira Vel taking over from Gurlaine Kaur Garcha, who left the soap in 2023.

Speaking about Ash's return and Vel's new take on the character, Jalota said: "It's amazing. The actress, Sakira, she's fantastic, and she brings a different energy to Ash."

He also teased that Ash's return will have an impact on "the relationship with Suki and Eve as well", and that there's "a lot of drama to come up for that".

Shiv Jalota as Vinny Panesar on the phone in EastEnders

Shiv Jalota as Vinny Panesar BBC

"It's nice for Vinny to have his sister back," Jalota said. "Things have changed. Nish is dead. There's a lot of drama that's happened, so yeah, it's exciting."

When the recast was announced, Vel, who is making her television debut in the role, said in a statement: "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."

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Google reCAPTCHA. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Google reCAPTCHA may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Google reCAPTCHA and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

Meanwhile, executive producer Ben Wadey said: "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."

Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers.

Add EastEnders to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

Ad

Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of James Hibbs, smiling against a lime green background.

James HibbsDrama Writer

James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of Katelyn Mensah, smiling against a lime green background.

Katelyn MensahSenior Entertainment Writer

Katelyn Mensah is the Senior Entertainment Writer for Radio Times, covering all major entertainment programmes, reality TV shows and the latest hard-hitting documentaries. She previously worked at The Tab, with a focus on reality TV and showbiz news and has obtained a BA (Hons) in Journalism.

Ad

Ad

Get the Christmas double issue

Too much to watch at Christmas? Let Radio Times do the choosing to find something the whole family will enjoy.

Subscribe by 3 Dec

Loading...

Ad

Loading...