Aaron Thiara talks EastEnders’ Denise Decides storyline

Viewers will vote the outcome of the ‘love triangle’…

For the first time ever, as part of the show’s 40th birthday celebrations, viewers get to vote for their choice of outcome, which will be revealed during a special live episode in anniversary week.

Last year, Denise (Diane Parish) and Jack’s (Scott Maslen) rocky marriage hit a breaking point when his affair with Stacey Slater came to light. Since then, they have had a few passionate encounters and shared some heartfelt moments as they navigate their blended family.

However, Denise has been secretly seeing former flame Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) since a romantic encounter on Christmas Day. Things are complicated between them due to Ravi’s troubled past, and the fact he used to be in a serious relationship with Denise’s daughter Chelsea. There’s a lot to consider as viewers watch Denise torn between the two men, but ultimately, they will be able to vote on the outcome they want.

How is Ravi feeling about Denise as we get to anniversary week?

Ravi has really fallen in love with Denise. On the run-up to anniversary week, we see Ravi wearing his heart on his sleeve more, and he’s been expressing how he feels to Denise. There’s a vulnerability there because he doesn’t want to be second best, or dismissed, or pushed to the side. It’s taken a lot for Denise and Ravi to admit they have these feelings for each other.

What is it about Denise that really attracts Ravi?

There is the physical attraction, but that’s only one part of it. The first time they were drawn together, they were two lost souls who understood each other. Denise was feeling pushed to the side by Jack back then, and Ravi was feeling the same in his life.

They’ve had a long time after it all blew up where they haven’t crossed paths much, but it’s still there between them, and they can’t deny it. They’ve both been through so much in recent weeks, especially with what happened at New Year with Nish and how Ravi tried to protect Denise. That proved how much he feels for her, and there is a deeper, soulful understanding between them that the rest of the Square doesn’t understand.

Are you excited to be part of this huge anniversary week?

It’s a gift! I am deeply grateful and very appreciative to be part of such a landmark milestone for the show, having watched so many of the anniversaries when I was growing up. I used to watch and think, ‘Wow, this is such a spectacle, and there was a huge excitement in watching something live on TV.’ So, to be a part of it is something to check off the bucket list. For me, that’s a great feeling.

How do you feel about Denise, Ravi and Jack’s fates being in the audience’s hands?

I think it’s genius. What EastEnders does so well is that it’s in your home four times a week, so we all feel like a part of it. I know when I watch it, and when I watched it before I joined the cast, you feel so invested in the characters and the stories, and you are often shouting at the TV. So, giving the viewers an opportunity to decide is a brilliant way of combining the show with the fans.

Torn between two lovers: Jack Branning, Denise Fox and Ravi Gulari / BBC /Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

If you had to make a pitch for Ravi, why should the viewers vote for him?

Ravi has been a part of Walford for the past two-and-a-half years, and the fans know it is not going to be smooth sailing with a character like him. There is always going to be something around the corner that the fans can get their teeth into and hopefully enjoy.

How do you feel about the prospect of going live?

EastEnders is my first real TV gig, and I did ten years of theatre before that, so technically, I’m okay with live performance. But it is still a daunting feeling. To be honest, I’ve been trying not to think about it too much. I am just going to turn up and do the work!

What’s your favourite Ravi storyline?

I did really enjoy Ravi in his manipulative era! It was a great challenge to play this character, who on paper was so horrible with his blackmailing and who’d do whatever he needed to get what he wanted and try to make him still likeable. That was my biggest challenge, to get two sides of Ravi across, so you might be confused as to why you like him. It makes this multi-faceted character. I think we understand at this point why Ravi is the person he is and why he does the things he does.

Aaron rates Phil Mitchell as his favourite EastEnders character / BBC / Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

Who is your favourite EastEnders character of all time?

It’s Phil Mitchell. To join the show and to work with Steve was amazing! What always caught my eye with Phil was this vulnerable, deep-rooted and layered man who has all this going on internally but presents this external front. We, as viewers, understand him. For any actor to try to sit into all those different layers is a work of art, and everyone should watch Steve McFadden play Phil Mitchell as it’s a masterclass.

What’s your favourite ever EastEnders storyline?

I actually have a favourite era rather than a storyline. I was really hooked when the Mitchell brothers went up against Johnny Allen in the massive house. In that period, you had Dennis Rickman, who is a close second for my fave character ever, and Andy Hunter, the gangster who used to wear all the suits. That era was fantastic! It felt like there were all these different characters going head-to-head, and the Mitchells were being tested and overcoming everything. It was gold.

If you could play one of Walford’s most iconic characters, whose shoes would you step into for the day?

I’d love to play Max Branning. It was amazing how Max was able to have the nation hooked on him and his antics and how he and Stacey were both hooked on each other! We couldn’t get enough of him and the two of them together. From an actor’s POV, it’s no easy task to create that energy and give a character that charisma and slyness. I don’t know how you end up egging him on as viewers, but no matter what he does, you are waiting for him to get away with it, and you want him to as well.

EastEnders, BBC One, Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm and on the iPlayer from 7am