An EastEnders icon has sent fans into a frenzy by hinting at a dramatic return to Albert Square, six years after his character's departure.
Nitin Ganatra, who played the much-loved Masood Ahmed, has revealed he would never say no to resurrecting his role on the BBC One soap, acknowledging the constant public demand for his comeback.
Fan Demand for Masood's Comeback
Whilst promoting his new festive film, Christmas Karma, Ganatra opened up about the enduring popularity of his character. He disclosed that he is questioned about a potential return with surprising frequency.
"With EastEnders, everybody asks if I would return every day, I'm not even joking," the actor told Bang Showbiz. "I'm not exaggerating, three to four times a day, by people in the street or on social media."
He confirmed his affection for the role, stating: "I would never say no, I love Masood."
Masood Ahmed's Turbulent Walford History
Masood Ahmed first arrived in Walford in October 2007, becoming a cornerstone of the Square for over a decade. Alongside Nina Wadia's Zainab, he was part of a groundbreaking portrayal of a non-stereotypical Muslim family, skillfully blending drama with humour.
Following the breakdown of his marriage, Masood's love life became a central storyline. He embarked on relationships with several iconic characters, including:
- Carol Jackson (Lindsey Coulson)
- Jane Beale (Laurie Brett)
- Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth)
- Carmel Kazemi (Bonnie Langford)
His time in Walford was also marked by significant personal challenges. He grappled with his son Syed's sexuality when he fell in love with Christian Clarke, battled alcohol dependency, and faced persistent financial difficulties.
In 2019, the character finally left the UK for a fresh start in Australia with his youngest son, Kamil.
Why Masood Resonated with the Nation
Reflecting on his character's widespread appeal, Ganatra explained that Masood's charm lay in his combination of comedy and heartfelt emotion.
"He's a funny character, but he also has heart," the actor said. "With Masood, we crossed a threshold where we were getting people from every walk of life, from every class, African people, Chinese people, saying I love you, Masood."
Ganatra even joked about the advice he'd give his on-screen persona if they ever met for a drink, suggesting he should "calm it down with women."
While no official return has been confirmed, Ganatra's open-minded stance and overwhelming fan demand suggest the door to Walford remains firmly ajar for one of its most memorable postmen.
