Shabnam Masood

EastEnders bosses are bringing back character Shabnam Masood after five years off-screen.

The part - originally played by Zahra Ahmadi - has been recast, with 29-year-old Rakhee Thakrar taking over the role, reports The Sun on Sunday.
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Rakhee Thakrar
© BAFTA
Rakhee Thakrar


Thakrar has previously appeared in Holby City, Doctors, Peep Show and BBC Bollywood opera Karmen, alongside ex-EastEnders actress Preeya Kalidas.

Thakrar said of her new part: "Having grown up watching EastEnders with my family, I'm really excited to now be joining the show. I can't wait to become part of the Masood family and start working with the rest of the amazing EastEnders cast and crew."

Daughter of Masood and now-departed Zainab, Shabnam has not been seen on the soap since she left Albert Square in 2008.

Ahmadi quit the role after just 14-months, amid claims that she was frustrated by a lack of storylines for her character.

I liked Shabnam, I just dont think they used her right the first time round.

EastEnders bosses have revealed that Shabnam Masood will have a 'terrible' secret when she returns to Walford next year. :eek: That has never been done before!!! :p Wonder what it is :hmm:


It was announced over the weekend that Shabnam would be returning after five years off screen, with Rakhee Thakrar taking over the role.

However, viewers will see a very different side to Shabnam as she settles back into Albert Square with her father Masood and brother Tamwar.

EastEnders executive producer, Dominic Treadwell-Collins, said on the show's official website: "Masood and Tamwar have been missing a female presence in their lives and Shabnam's return to Albert Square in January is well overdue - and, by that time, vital...

"We've been exhaustive in our recasting of Shabnam and when Rakhee walked in the room, everyone - including Nitin - knew that she was perfect.

"The Shabnam who returns home is older, wiser and a chip off her mother's block. And - of course - carrying a terrible secret from her time away from Walford."

Shabnam was previously played by actress Zahra Ahmadi.

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Originally Posted by Perdita

EastEnders bosses have revealed that Shabnam Masood will have a 'terrible' secret when she returns to Walford next year. :eek: That has never been done before!!! :p Wonder what it is :hmm:

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she is a transvestite?

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Originally Posted by Perdita

EastEnders bosses have revealed that Shabnam Masood will have a 'terrible' secret when she returns to Walford next year. :eek: That has never been done before!!! :p Wonder what it is :hmm:

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trying to think of something not yet done there.....

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Originally Posted by sarah c

trying to think of something not yet done there.....

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She had a baby and killed it

^ That is my guess

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Originally Posted by Katy

I liked Shabnam, I just dont think they used her right the first time round.

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i liked the first one too

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Originally Posted by Katy

I liked Shabnam, I just dont think they used her right the first time round.

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i liked the first one too

probably some storyline that is current in another soap, so what else is happening in, in Corra or Emmerdale? so often two very similar stories are happening in soaps at same time

Stacey Slater coming back in EastEnders, would not be surprised if brother Sean is going to join fairly soon too

oh I do hope so, i like him and Stacy of course, what about Jean then?

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Originally Posted by owenlee4me

oh I do hope so, i like him and Stacy of course, what about Jean then?

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Jean has just gone, will probably be a while before she is back, if she does come back

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Originally Posted by owenlee4me

oh I do hope so, i like him and Stacy of course, what about Jean then?

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Jean has just gone, will probably be a while before she is back, if she does come back

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Originally Posted by Perdita

Stacey Slater coming back in EastEnders, would not be surprised if brother Sean is going to join fairly soon too

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The actor who played Sean is doing quite well in America

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He is, and rob kazinsky (Sean) is a cracking actor. He was in True Blood this year and he has recently been cast in a film i think due for releaes in 2015 or 16. I cant see him coming back into Eastenders.

I hope that the use Shabnam right this time, or it will be pointless bringing her back a bit like Sharon.

These are the first pictures showing EastEnders newcomer Rakhee Thakrar in character as Shabnam Masood.

As announced earlier this month, Thakrar has been cast in the role following the decision to bring back Shabnam after five years off screen.
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Rakhee Thakrar as Shabnam Masood
© BBC Pictures / Jack Barnes

EastEnders bosses have teased that Shabnam will return home "older and wiser and a chip off her mother's block".

It has also been confirmed that she will be carrying a dark secret about her time away from Walford.
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Rakhee Thakrar as Shabnam Masood
© BBC Pictures / Jack Barnes

Thakrar has previously appeared in Holby City, Doctors, Peep Show and BBC Bollywood opera Karmen, alongside ex-EastEnders actress Preeya Kalidas.

Shabnam was previously played by actress Zahra Ahmadi.


Read more: http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2...#ixzz2npFHuuWi

has she become devout in her time away?

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EastEnders reintroduces the character of Shabnam Masood in tonight's episode (January 13), with new actress Rakhee Thakrar in the role.

When Masood Ahmed arrives back from Pakistan following his mother's funeral, he has a surprise for Tamwar as he has brought Shabnam back with him.

Shabnam's first week back on screen sees her fiercely opposing Masood's new romance with Carol Jackson, but she also has plenty of her own dramas on the way as she is returning to Walford with a "terrible secret".

Digital Spy recently caught up with Rakhee for an exclusive chat about joining EastEnders and what's in store for Shabnam.

How have you found your time at EastEnders so far?
"So far I don't I think could have asked for a better experience. I have been completely welcomed in to the EastEnders family as if I have always been here, so I have been really blessed and have had a brilliant experience coming into the show."

When you're playing a character that has been recast, does that mean you have to approach it differently to other roles?
"I could understand why people could think that you might have to approach it differently, but no I have approached it like any other role, like a new character. But with any character that isn't a baby, they have a back story.

"I've been given all the information leading up to when she re-enters the soap this time and [executive producer] Dominic [Treadwell-Collins] has given me all the information needed about where her character is going and that's all I needed. It's pretty much been like any other role, to be honest."

It sounds like Shabnam ruffles feathers quite quickly once she returns! Has she become more outspoken and forthright since we last saw her?
"I think so, I think she has come back changed. Everyone keeps referring to her as a mini Zainab, which you can see because she is very direct about her opinions and she doesn't hold back. I think she's always been opinionated and as you get older you hone in on what you believe. She has very strong beliefs and she is not afraid to say them."

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© BBC
Shabnam arrives back in Walford.

Why is Shabnam so disapproving of Masood's relationship with Carol?
"It comes down to what she believes her dad should do with his life. Secretly, Shabnam has a very tiny wish her parents would get back together - she is a real family girl and that would just make her so happy if her mum and dad got back together. That's the major reason and is what is driving her opinion on his relationship with Carol."

Just as Shabnam is settling back in, Masood's behaviour starts taking a slightly erratic turn. How will Shabnam respond to that?
"She is a doer so she would do something about it. She is not one to sit back and see how it unfolds, she would be the first one to try and sort things out."

What do you think Shabnam's place in the Masood family will be in the long-term? Will she take control of Masood and Tamwar in the same way Zainab used to?
"I think there is a slightly different dynamic because she is the daughter, so if she oversteps the mark, Masood will put her in her place. But also sometimes she is daddy's little girl and really looks up to him.

"She will take control when she needs to, when it's chaotic and when things are not the way she thinks they should be, but I think sometimes she will cross that line and there will be that push and pull between her and her dad, where he will push her back where she should be."

What is her relationship with Tamwar like?
"With Tamwar there is a real warmth and I think she can tell him what to do and boss him about a bit, but I think there is a real love. There is brother and sister banter and teasing between them."

We've heard that Shabnam is returning with a secret… Is it going to cause a stir?
"Yes! Of course it will be juicy, EastEnders would never have a secret that isn't!"

Where do you see Shabnam fitting into the Square? Will she be making friends or enemies upon her return?
"She will definitely be making some enemies. When it comes to something she believes is wrong, unjust or unfair she can't help herself sharing her feelings. She will want to put it right.

"If someone speaks out of turn or she sees an action that she thinks is unjust, she will do something about it and that is what I think will rub people the wrong way, as well as the way she goes about it. She can't hold back, there is no sparing of feelings sometimes.

"I think she will find it hard to make friends to begin with, but I think there will be people who she will become friends with. Like with any character that's like that, at the heart of it she is a good girl, she definitely is a goodie. It's always coming from the right place, but she just needs to figure out better ways to say it sometimes. Once people can see past that she will make friends with them."

How does EastEnders compare to your previous acting work so far?
"The pace is really quick as you are constantly filming and prepping for other episodes. There is a lot going on around you and you have to be very focused. So in that way it's like nothing I've ever done before, plus it's a show that everyone knows! It's something I have grown up watching so I know how good the actors are on it and how good the storylines are. So there is that different type of pressure."

Can you tell us about your first day?
"I was very nervous but I had Michael Owen Morris as my director for my first day and I couldn't have asked for anyone better. I felt in safe hands in my scenes with him and he made me feel completely at home, and the crew were fantastic. So I was really nervous in that first take, but after that I got it out of the way and felt at home so it was a really good first day."

How do you feel about the show being so high-profile and the likelihood of being recognised by fans?
"I am trying not to think about it! At the moment I am thinking that it's just like any other job because I can't imagine what it will be like to be recognised walking down the street."

The show is doing really well at the moment with lots of positive feedback from fans. Does it feel like an exciting time to be joining?
"Definitely, definitely! I remember I went to a meeting in my first or second week, and Dominic was talking about the show and what's coming up and what we could expect and it's so exciting. Even from when I first met him, I could tell that he absolutely loves this show. He knows what he is doing and we all feel that energy and that safety and it's really exciting! His energy really oozes out into the set it's a really exciting time to be a part of show."

she has a new head and personality which isn't nice, think she is muslim islamic extremist now

I don't like her so far

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Originally Posted by lizann

she has a new head and personality which isn't nice, think she is muslim islamic extremist now

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I was wondering if she's joined the Taliban! Hope she's not going to be around for long.

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Originally Posted by lizann

she has a new head and personality which isn't nice, think she is muslim islamic extremist now

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I was wondering if she's joined the Taliban! Hope she's not going to be around for long.

EastEnders has been defended by the BBC after a comment made by show returnee Shabnam Masood was branded 'racist' by viewers.

Tuesday night's episode (January 14) saw Shabnam tell her father Masood Ahmed that he should never have dated Carol Jackson because she is white.

Shabnam had fiercely opposed Masood's relationship with Carol since returning to Walford, and was satisfied when Carol made the choice to end the romance.

After the break-up, Shabnam told Masood: "Carol can see the obvious even if you can't. It's not right you being with a white woman."

The BBC has now confirmed that it has received viewer complaints over the remark, but fans will see the storyline develop further tonight (January 15) as Masood sternly rebukes Shabnam for her comments.

A BBC statement explained: "We received complaints from some viewers who were unhappy with a comment made by Shabnam during EastEnders on 14 January 2014.

"EastEnders has a rich history of tackling social issues. The show does not advocate racism or intolerance in any way; in fact it seeks to challenge these negative views.

"Shabnam has returned from Pakistan with a renewed religious faith, devoutness and with some strong views. In this episode Shabnam's comments came from her personal beliefs, but as viewers will see in future episodes, she is strongly challenged on her views by her father Masood.

"Drama often requires an oppositional voice or view-point in order for another character/s to express their feelings, and challenge a particular sentiment or standpoint. This is the case in the episode which will air on 15 January, when Masood makes it very clear that he finds her views unacceptable."

Shabnam returned to Albert Square in Monday night's episode (January 13) with new actress Rakhee Thakrar in the part.

Speaking to Digital Spy about the Shabnam and Carol story this week, Thakrar said: "It comes down to what she believes her dad should do with his life. Secretly, Shabnam has a very tiny wish her parents would get back together - she is a real family girl and that would just make her so happy if her mum and dad got back together.

"That's the major reason and is what is driving her opinion on his relationship with Carol."


Read more: http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2...#ixzz2qUahkcMU
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Shabnam Masood breaks down in front of her father Masood Ahmed on EastEnders next week.

The Walford returnee gets emotional as she still hasn't come to terms with the fact that her parents have split up for good.

Shabnam (Rakhee Thakrar) is pleased with herself when she manages to smarten Masood up following his recent troubles, but when he makes a playful comment about his new suit impressing the ladies, Shabnam loses control and bursts into tears.

Masood soon realises that Shabnam hasn't ever accepted his break-up with Zainab. He tries to tell her that he won't ever reconcile with Zainab, but will Shabnam listen?
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Shabnam is smarting Masood up.
© BBC
Shabnam is smarting Masood up.
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Masood is surprised when Shabnam breaks down.
© BBC
Masood is surprised when Shabnam breaks down.

Later in the week, the drama for the Masood family continues as Aunt Bushra pays a visit.

Some harsh comments from Bushra soon rub Masood up the wrong way, but he is quick to retaliate by defending his family...
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A proud Masood stands up for his family.
© BBC
A proud Masood stands up for his family.
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Masood supports Shabnam.
© BBC
Masood supports Shabnam.

EastEnders airs these scenes on Monday, February 17, Tuesday, February 18 and Thursday, February 20 on BBC One.

I think shabnams 'secret' is to do with extremist groups or actions?

Just the way no one is allowed to look at her laptop or it's history.

I have been wondering if they're inching towards a radicalisation storyline with her, but then again, she wouldn't be meeting with men from dating websites if that was her main concern.

I blooming hope not, i'm sick and tired of it on the news, at least Soaps can offer a relief, we dont' need this drummed down our necks any more than we get it now, I used to thing Britain was "GREAT" it's now lets all to go to England you can do what your like and cop out!
If this becomes a storyline, then thats if for me with EAstenders, and i've watched from the first episode!!

I blooming hope not, i'm sick and tired of it on the news, at least Soaps can offer a relief, we dont' need this drummed down our necks any more than we get it now, I used to thing Britain was "GREAT" it's now lets all to go to England you can do what your like and cop out!
If this becomes a storyline, then thats if for me with EAstenders, and i've watched from the first episode!!

EastEnders star Rakhee Thakrar has revealed that she wants her on-screen mother Zainab to return to the soap.

Viewers were reintroduced to Shabnam Masood as she returned to Walford earlier this year, with Thakrar taking over the role.

Speaking to Inside Soap, the actress said: "I think it would be great if Zainab came back to Albert Square - Shabnam and Zainab would create fireworks!

"I've never met Nina, but I have watched her work. Everyone tells me that Shabnam is a younger version of her mum!

"I think that is mainly because she has come back quite bold."

Thakrar also revealed that she has been gripped by Charlie Brooks's character Janine Butcher.

She said: "Charlie Brooks has played one of the best characters in the show. I loved watching all the stuff between her and Michael Moon - I was so gripped!

"There was a scene where Janine was talking about what it's like to know you are a bad person, and it showed such a human side to her. I even felt sorry for her!"


Read more: http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2...#ixzz2vkP9O1fi


Would love it if she came back :thumbsup:

EastEnders star Rakhee Thakrar has promised that the show will delve deeper in exploring her character Shabnam Masood over the coming months.

Shabnam returned to screens in January, but has experienced quieter times on Albert Square since her initial disputes with her father Masood (Nitin Ganatra) at the beginning of the year.

Speaking to Digital Spy at the TV Choice Awards on Monday evening (September 8), Thakrar revealed: "There's a potential love interest for Shabnam on the way, but you just never know because the guy who comes in is quite hot - so he's got his pick of the girls and she could easily scare him off!"

Asked whether newcomer Khoroush 'Kush' Kazemi could be the guy in question, she laughed: "I'm not saying anything! Recently Shabnam has just been in the Minute Mart, bless her - helping Denise out and helping her dad out.

"What's going to happen is her life is going to be explored, so that'll be great and I'm looking forward to that. There's definitely potentially some romance in the air."
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Denise tells Shabnam that she's leaving Ian.
© BBC
Shabnam with Denise in EastEnders

When Shabnam's return was first announced last year, show bosses teased that she would be hiding "a terrible secret from her time away from Walford".

Asked whether that secret will be revealed anytime soon, Thakrar replied: "I don't think it's in the next couple of months but next year I think. That's what's been teased. The secret is a good one, but that's all I can say at the minute!"

Thakrar took over the part of Shabnam from Zahra Ahmadi, who played the role in 2007 and 2008.

EastEnders producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins has revealed that there is a big story lined up for Shabnam Masood.

Shabnam (Rakhee Thakrar) returned to screens in January, but has experienced a quieter time on Albert Square ever since she came back.
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Rakhee Thakrar as Shabnam Masood
© BBC Pictures / Jack Barnes
Rakhee Thakrar as Shabnam Masood

Thakrar told Digital Spy last week that Shabnam's life would be explored in an upcoming storyline, and Treadwell-Collins has reiterated this, saying that viewers will soon have a much better understanding of the character.

Speaking to Inside Soap, Treadwell-Collins said: "Shabnam is one to watch. She has got some amazing stuff coming up, and Rakhee Thakrar is a brilliant actress.

"Viewers will have a much better understanding of Shabnam before long."

Thakrar took over the part of Shabnam from Zahra Ahmadi, who played the role in 2007 and 2008.

rumours are she has a eating disorder, bulimia

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Originally Posted by lizann

rumours are she has a eating disorder, bulimia

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She certainly has a thing about food, and she was eating lots of chocolate and ice cream last week so I can understand the rumours. The only thing I'd say, as someone who knows a lot about eating disorders, is that in reality someone with an eating disorder who was having a binge would do so secretly and be completely ashamed of it. They wouldn't do it openly and would not joke about it either. Soaps rarely get these things right though, so who knows.

I think that Shabnam's an interesting character played by a good actress so she deserves a big storyline. I just hope that any eating disorder story is well-researched.

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Originally Posted by Dazzle

She certainly has a thing about food, and she was eating lots of chocolate and ice cream last week so I can understand the rumours. The only thing I'd say, as someone who knows a lot about eating disorders, is that in reality someone with an eating disorder who was having a binge would do so secretly and be completely ashamed of it. They wouldn't do it openly and would not joke about it either. Soaps rarely get these things right though, so who knows.

I think that Shabnam's an interesting character played by a good actress so she deserves a big storyline. I just hope that any eating disorder story is well-researched.

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but t was only last week we saw her eat chocolate could have been built more if the storyline is true

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Originally Posted by Dazzle

She certainly has a thing about food, and she was eating lots of chocolate and ice cream last week so I can understand the rumours. The only thing I'd say, as someone who knows a lot about eating disorders, is that in reality someone with an eating disorder who was having a binge would do so secretly and be completely ashamed of it. They wouldn't do it openly and would not joke about it either. Soaps rarely get these things right though, so who knows.

I think that Shabnam's an interesting character played by a good actress so she deserves a big storyline. I just hope that any eating disorder story is well-researched.

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but t was only last week we saw her eat chocolate could have been built more if the storyline is true

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Originally Posted by lizann

but t was only last week we saw her eat chocolate could have been built more if the storyline is true

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Do you mean eating the chocolate could be the start of an eating disorder? Yes, that could be true I suppose.

Has she really been going to the dentist so often or was it other job interviews?