Shabnam Masood

[Perdita]

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.

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.

[Katy]

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

[Perdita]

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


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.

[sarah c]

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

she is a transvestite?

[sarah c]

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

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

[tammyy2j]

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

She had a baby and killed it

[tammyy2j]

^ That is my guess

[lizann]

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

i liked the first one too

[lizann]

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

i liked the first one too

[owenlee4me]

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