EastEnders’ Ravi to see the arrival of ex-girlfriend and secret daughter

EastEnders bad boy Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) will get the mother of all shocks this autumn when his ex-girlfriend Priya comes back into his life – and he discovers he’s the father to a daughter he never knew existed.

Priya Nandra-Hart will be played by Sophie Khan Levy whose previous credits include The Sixth Commandment and All Creatures Great And Small.

Sophie Khan Levy said:

“I’m super excited to be joining the show, and I can’t wait to see what trouble Priya gets herself into! I watched EastEnders when I was growing up, so to see so many familiar faces and to walk onto the set is a dream come true.”

Aaliyah James has been cast as Priya and Ravi’s daughter Avani Nandra-Hart.

Aaliyah James said:

“To be given this opportunity as my official debut to screen is a true blessing. I have found home in the supportiveness of the cast and crew, and I’m very thankful to feel a part of the EastEnders family already. I can’t wait to bring Avani to life and to walk her path in Walford, and I’m excited to see what the universe has planned for my own future.”

Ever since their bitter split, Ravi has kept Priya away from their son Nugget (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury). However, it turns out that she isn’t the only one who has been deprived of a child.

Ravi soon discovers that he has a daughter, Avani, whom Priya has kept a secret from him and chosen to raise alone.

The fallout of this revelation will send shockwaves through his world.

Speaking about their arrival, Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw said:

 “We’re excited to introduce Priya and Avani, two women guaranteed to cause big drama in Albert Square. Little is known about Ravi and Priya’s doomed romance, but she’s a big missing piece in his past. The revelation that he’s got another child will floor Ravi, and he is set to face a big challenge in his life when he is forced to cope with such a big shock to the system. We’re delighted to welcome Sophie and Aaliyah to the EastEnders family.”

The pair will make their first appearance next month.