Former EastEnders star Jaz Deol explained why he left the soap two years ago.

Jaz played Kheerat Panesar in EastEnders and departed in November 2022, when the troubled character went to prison and took the fall for Suki (Balvinder Sopal) over Ranveer’s murder, unaware Ravi (Aaron Thiara) was actually responsible for the death.

Last summer, the actor dashed hopes of returning to Walford as Kheerat when he announced a new career journey.

Jaz, 35, shared what life has been like since leaving Walford.

Sharing a headshot of him on Instagram, he penned: ‘People have been asking what life has been like post leaving not only a great show but a fantastic character that I not only had the privilege of playing but building and creating over my tenure with some amazing cast, crew and executive producers.

‘It not only meant so much to the fans but people from my community.’

He added:’So why did I choose to leave? Because it felt right and I was hungry for more. This is the start of something that I believe I’m going to offer to the world. It will take however long it takes because that is what it means to be a Journeyman Actor.

‘Has it been easy? No, but nothing that you dream of is. I’ve never been someone to take the comfortable path.’

He continued: ‘But I love what I do and I believe in it. I’m built for this. I’m grateful for the things that are now happening externally, but more importantly internally. Life throws you surprising lessons to learn.

People have been asking what life has been like post leaving not only a great show but a fantastic character that I not only had the privilege of playing but building and creating over my tenure with some amazing cast, crew and executive producers. It not only meant so much to the fans but people from my community.

To this day, almost two years on, people come up to me and share how much they miss him. You and me both

So why did I choose to leave? Because it felt right and I was hungry for more. This is the start of something that I believe I’m going to offer to the world. It will take however long it takes because that is what it means to be a Journeyman Actor.

Has it been easy? No, but nothing that you dream of is. I’ve never been someone to take the comfortable path.

But I love what I do and I believe in it. I’m built for this. I’m grateful for the things that are now happening externally, but more importantly internally. Life throws you surprising lessons to learn.

‘Dream big, have faith and NEVER give up.

‘Lots of love to you all who follow me and share the love. I do it all for you.’

The life of Suki Panesar has changed a lot following Kheerat’s departure. She is now in a relationship with Eve (Heather Peace) after ending her abusive marriage to Nish (Navin Chowdhry), but is also busy trying to keep the truth about Christmas Day a secret with the remaining members of The Six.

Suki, Linda (Kellie Bright), Sharon (Letitia Dean), Denise (Diane Parish), Kathy (Gillian Taylforth) and Stacey (Lacey Turner) have been bound together following a horrific festive period.

After Denise attacked and very nearly murdered Nish, Linda then killed Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters), with The Six being forced to transport his body from the pub and bury it under the cafe.