Auntie Mariam (Indira Joshi) and Uncle Arshad (Madhav Sharma)

[Perdita]

EastEnders has unveiled new members of Masood Ahmed's extended family ahead of his return to Albert Square in the New Year.

It was announced last month that Nitin Ganatra had been invited back to the BBC One soap just a year after his departure from EastEnders, only he'd be returning without Zainab, Syed, Tamwar, Shabnam or Kamil.


Indira Joshi, Madhav Sharma and Nitin Ganatra in EastEnders
© BBC

Instead, interim EastEnders producer John Yorke will be introducing viewers to two other Ahmed relatives, as Indira Joshi and Madhav Sharma bring Auntie Mariam and Uncle Arshad to life.

Mariam and Arshad decide to move to Albert Square from their long-time residence in London when Masood convinces them that renting his house at Number 41 will give them more space for their fostering.

Although it quickly becomes clear that no-nonsense Mariam and the mischievous Arshad are not prepared for all of the fireworks in Walford, they also appreciate the sense of community from the other residents. Still, we'd expect drama when the Ahmeds arrive.

Viewers no doubt remember Indira Joshi playing Madhuri in the classic BBC sitcom The Kumars at No. 42, as well as for playing Sunita Alahan's auntie Grishma in Coronation Street in 2010.

"I'm over the moon to be joining EastEnders and to be part of the Ahmed family," Indira said today. "I'm really looking forward to working with Madhav and Nitin as well as the rest of the cast."


Indira Joshi and Meera Syal as The Kumars
© TIM ROOKE/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK

Madhav Sharma also memorably appeared in Corrie as Dev Alahan's short-lived mentor Prem Mandal back in 2008. He guest starred in the '70s Doctor Who serial 'Frontier in Space' as well.

"It's really great to be joining EastEnders and I'm excited to be part of the Ahmed family," Madhav said. "The first continuing drama I starred in was on the BBC so this is like coming home for me. I'm really looking forward to playing Arshad."

Producer John Yorke added: "We've always known that Masood came from a big family, and the time has now come to reveal a few more of them, of which Mariam and Arshad are just the first. Nitin has been invaluable to the show since he and the Masoods first rolled up in Albert Square.

"We're really excited to bring in the next generation of the family, for some incredibly challenging, fun and exciting stories ahead."

Both Auntie Mariam and Uncle Arshad will be arriving in Albert Square with Masood early next year.


Digital Spy