EastEnders has cast Laila Rouass as a character from Suki and Nish Panesar’s past.

The former Holby City star will make a guest appearance in the BBC One soap later this summer as Ayesha, with the character turning up following an invitation from evil Nish.

Viewers will find out that Ayesha knew the Panesars many years ago but hadn’t been in touch with them until she was asked to come to Walford.

“I cannot tell you how excited I am to be in EastEnders! I was born in the East End and grew up there, and there was such a buzz when the show started,” Rouass said. “Even though I was little at the time, I can clearly remember the first episode and Doctor Legg arriving at the flat where Reg Cox had been murdered.

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“I’ve also known Navin Chowdhry (who plays Nish) for many years, so it was great to work with him again and to do scenes with Balvinder Sopal (who plays Suki) and the rest of the Panesars as Ayesha reunites with them. This is a lifelong dream come true!”

Rouass has already filmed her scenes as Ayesha ahead of the character’s short stint airing in August.

Suki and her son Vinny are currently plotting against Nish to try to take control of the Panesar family empire, all while Vinny pretends to be a doting son towards the villain.Other members of the family are also trying to get their hands on Nish’s fortune. Priya is out for revenge after agreeing to sleep with Nish and then being cast adrift from the family.

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Priya takes revenge in upcoming scenes as she interrupts Nish’s client meeting with a brutal character assassination, before taking him hostage in a moment of desperation.