EastEnders icon hints at a return to Walford 18 years after first appearing, saying ‘never say no’
Former EastEnders star Nitin Ganatra has hinted at a possible return for Walford favourite Masood Ahmed, six years after the character’s exit.
Nitin starred alongside Nina Wadia, who played his on-screen wife Zainab Masood, with the pair embracing the opportunity to portray a non-stereotypical Muslim family, blending drama and humour in their storylines.
Masood first appeared in Walford in October 2007. Following the breakdown of his marriage, he went on to have romances with Carol Jackson (Lindsey Coulson), Jane Beale (Laurie Brett), Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth), and Carmel Kazemi (Bonnie Langford), earning a reputation as quite the ladies’ man on the Square.
Life, however, was not always smooth for Masood. He struggled to accept his son Syed’s (Marc Elliott) sexuality when Syed fell in love with Christian Clarke (John Partridge). Masood also faced battles with alcohol dependency and often found himself in financial difficulties.
In 2019, the postman left Walford to start a new life in Australia with his youngest son, Kamil. Since then, Masood has remained a beloved figure in Albert Square, and fans would no doubt welcome his return with open arms, according to OK!.
While promoting his latest film, Christmas Karma, Nitin spoke about his EastEnders role, revealing the strong public interest in seeing the character make a comeback.
“With EastEnders, everyone asks me if I would come back every day—I’m not even joking,” Nitin told Bang Showbiz. “I’m not exaggerating—three to four times a day, whether it’s people on the street or messages on social media. I would never say no; I love Masood.”
When asked why the character has connected so deeply with audiences, Nitin explained, “He’s a funny character, but he also has heart.
“With Masood, we reached a point where people from all walks of life—every class, African communities, Chinese communities—were saying, ‘I love you, Masood.'”
The actor also joked that if he spent time with Masood, he’d give him some important advice.
He added, “He’s the kind of character I’d enjoy having a drink with, but I’d also tell him to take it easy with the women.”
Nitin’s latest film, Christmas Karma, is directed by Gurinder Chadha, known for Bend It Like Beckham. The holiday movie also stars Kunal Nayyar (The Big Bang Theory), former EastEnders actor Danny Dyer, Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey), Eva Longoria, Billy Porter, and Boy George.
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