Perdita
23-04-2010, 16:12
EastEnders star Nina Wadia has revealed that there are "really dark" times ahead for the Masood family over the coming weeks.
Earlier this year, the actress's character Zainab Masood was forced to deal with the bombshell news that her son Syed (Marc Elliott) is gay and had been having an affair. Next week, the plot reaches a climax as Syed's wife Amira (Preeya Kalidas) discovers the truth.
Speaking on This Morning today, Wadia explained that the Masoods are to face more misery as the BBC soap's producers want to carry on providing a realistic portrayal of the issues affecting gay Muslims.
Fans of the Walford serial have already seen Syed's father Masood, played by Nitin Ganatra, being told to disown his son after seeking guidance from his local imam.
Wadia commented: "They've really done their research on this. It goes to a really dark place because that is what would happen - and has happened.
"From the research they've done, they've spoken to families who've had this conflict and you literally cut off all ties. It's like that person doesn't exist."
Ganatra, who was also interviewed, added: "It's very tragic, it's a very tragic situation for a family to have to go through that. They've handled it beautifully and very delicately."
Earlier this year, the actress's character Zainab Masood was forced to deal with the bombshell news that her son Syed (Marc Elliott) is gay and had been having an affair. Next week, the plot reaches a climax as Syed's wife Amira (Preeya Kalidas) discovers the truth.
Speaking on This Morning today, Wadia explained that the Masoods are to face more misery as the BBC soap's producers want to carry on providing a realistic portrayal of the issues affecting gay Muslims.
Fans of the Walford serial have already seen Syed's father Masood, played by Nitin Ganatra, being told to disown his son after seeking guidance from his local imam.
Wadia commented: "They've really done their research on this. It goes to a really dark place because that is what would happen - and has happened.
"From the research they've done, they've spoken to families who've had this conflict and you literally cut off all ties. It's like that person doesn't exist."
Ganatra, who was also interviewed, added: "It's very tragic, it's a very tragic situation for a family to have to go through that. They've handled it beautifully and very delicately."