One of EastEnders’ biggest villains is set to leave the soap after two years, it’s said.
Navin Chowdhry, 53, is reportedly leaving the BBC soap, two years after first stepping onto the Square. According to insiders, the actor is set to bow out with some “very impactful and dramatic” scenes that will air in the coming weeks.
The actor is currently taking on the role of nasty Nish Panesar, who left fans seething after he refused to accept his wife had left him for another woman. He then had a major role in the Six plot last year, with Nish being considered by fans as the character who would die in the dramatic scenes.
READ MORE: EastEnders beef up security around cast after being plagued by stalker fan
Click for more brilliant Daily Star showbiz stories
Nish’s method of leaving the soap is currently unknown, but fans are reveling as he is suffering a slow death on the show. In harrowing scenes, the villain was told he is dealing with a heart condition and needs a transplant.
(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Speaking to The Sun, an insider said: “It’s not known if Nish will be killed off, even though his health is suffering, but expect the exit to be very impactful and dramatic. Navin has made quite the impact on the show in the two years he has been a part of it, especially as a key part of the huge Christmas storyline with The Six; he’ll be missed by cast, crew and viewers alike.”
It is nearly two years to the day that Navin first joined the cast of EastEnders back in September of 2022. He walked into Walford playing the ex-husband of Suki Panesar, played by Balvinder Sopal.
After being released from prison, Nish has made life a living hell for his former partner. But in a shock twist at Christmas, he was whacked over the head with a wine bottle by Denise Fox in an effort to defend Suki from the torrents of abuse.
(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
However, amidst the tension of the Six plot, Suki was seen giving her ex medical attention, which brought him back from the dead. Since then, he has been plotting and scheming to break Suki and girlfriend Eve up, but has not gotten very far yet.
The reported exit comes after Navin had asked producers to tone down some of the harrowing scenes he was portraying due to his own safety. The dad of two admitted in February that away from his character, he is a kind and gentle soul.
“There have been moments when we’ve had scenes and I’ll speak to the producer and I’ll say, ‘I’m going to have to go on the school run and you’re making me beat up every woman on Albert Square'”, he confessed. “I’ve been scared.”
(Image: Getty Images for the NTA’s)
Some fans have been unhappy with his conduct towards the women of Albert Square, as some viewers failed to recognise the difference between the actor and his role. Navin explained that “there has been the odd comment” from riled up viewers, but “most people get it”.
EastEnders airs every weekday at 7:30pm on BBC One and the BBC iPlayer.
For more of the latest showbiz and TV news from the Daily Star, make sure you sign up for one of our newsletters here.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
