Popular character Masood Ahmed is set to return to long-running BBC soap opera EastEnders.
Nitin Ganatra played the lovable postman from 2007 until his departure in 2016, but he has now revealed that one year after he walked away from the show, he is due to return with some new family members in tow.
The 50-year-old actor told Metro: ‘It was a lovely surprise to be asked back to EastEnders so soon after I left. In fact I was bowled over.
Welcome back: Popular character Masood Ahmed is set to return to long-running BBC soap opera EastEnders
‘When I was told Masood has still much to give to the show and is missed by the audience, it was hard to refuse.’
He added: ‘It is with great pride that I will grow my Masood goatee once again to help create and base an extended family around him. Exciting days to come Walford with Masood back on the Square.’
Masood left Albert Square in November 2016 in order to reunite with his ex-wife Zainab and his son Kamil in Pakistan, but it turns out his journey home hasn’t gone to plan, as he finds himself back in London once again.
Popular: Nitin Ganatra played the lovable postman from 2007 until his departure in 2016, but he has now revealed that one year after he walked away from the show, he is due to return
Storyline details of his return are being kept under wraps for the time being, but it is believed that casting is underway for the new members of Masood’s family, and scenes are expected to air towards the end of this year.
Nitin announced he was walking away from EastEnders in September 2016, and claimed that his decision came as he wanted to explore other acting pursuits.
He said at the time: ‘When I trained as an actor, I set out to play many different characters and never did I know that I would be so fortunate to have found a character that I have loved playing for nine years.
Exciting times: Storyline details of his return are being kept under wraps for the time being, but it is believed that casting is underway for the new members of Masood’s family, and scenes are expected to air towards the end of this year
‘However, after thinking long and hard, I have decided that it is time to get back out there and take on some other roles.
‘I will of course miss everyone at EastEnders – I have had a brilliant time there, and who knows, one day Masood may be back.’