logo
Former EastEnders star slams soap over ‘ridiculous storylines' and reveals why she really left the show

Former EastEnders star slams soap over ‘ridiculous storylines' and reveals why she really left the show

The Irish Sun4 days ago

A FORMER EastEnders star has slammed the soap's 'ridiculous storylines' and revealed why she really left the show.
EastEnders viewers know
Advertisement
4
Nina Wadia played EastEnders' Zainab Masood for six years
Credit: BBC
4
The star addressed her reasons for leaving the soap
Credit: YouTube
4
Nina addressed her character's abuse by Yusef Khan
Credit: Handout
Zainab arrived in 2007 before eventually leaving Walford behind in 2013.
Over a decade on, Nina has addressed the reasons behind her decision to leave.
During an appearance on Channel 5's Vanessa, she explained to host Vanessa Feltz: "When the storylines get so ridiculous and so difficult, you kind of think 'I'm out'".
The actress continued: "The reason I left was because the storylines were getting ridiculous.
Advertisement
Read more on EastEnders
"That was one of the reasons I left. There were several, but that was one of the main reasons.
"My husband Masood was going to have yet another affair.
"And I was like, 'How can I react any differently [to the] way I reacted before when he told me he was having an affair?"
Nina revealed Zainab's initial brief had been "Pauline Fowler, but funny."
Advertisement
Most read in Soaps
Exclusive
Exclusive
Exclusive
Having provided levity and
comic relief
for two years, she was confused to receive a domestic violence storyline.
The star continued: "You thought, 'How can I be funny with that storyline? I don't understand.'
Celeb Millionaire contestant forced to use lifeline on tricky Shakespeare question - but could you get it right-
"I think that's what happens when you have a change at the top, with the execs, they bring in their vision.
"Someone who hasn't really been paying attention to what your character's been doing - all of a sudden, you're asked to do something absolutely ridiculous."
Advertisement
Nina later added: "That's why I wanted to come out of it for a while.
"Hopefully, at some point, they invite me back, it'll be for something more interesting to do."
Vanessa pointed out Zainab hadn't been killed off - meaning Nina could potentially return to the soap one day.
The actress replied by saying: "They wouldn't kill her off.
Advertisement
"I did ask to be killed off because I thought, 'Yay, I'll get a big storyline if I get killed off'.
"But they were like, 'No, we want her back someday.' So, who knows?"
Among Zainab's most notable storylines was discovering oldest son Syed (Marc Elliot)
EastEnders' 40th anniversary cameos so far
With the 40th anniversary of EastEnders coming up, fans are looking forward to some more incredible cameos from iconic faces of Walford's past. But who have we had so far?
Tracy-Ann Oberman
- Oberman returned as Chrissie Watts, a character she last played nearly two decades ago.
Paul Bradley
- Bradley returned as Nigel Bates, a character he last played over 25 years ago.
Micheal French
- French returned as David Wicks, a character he last played two decades ago.
Patsy Palmer
- Palmer returned as Bianca Jackson, a character she last played in 2019.
Ricky Groves
- Groves returned as Garry Hobbs, a character who has not been seen since 2009.
Cliff Parisi
- Parisi returned as Minty Peterson, a character who was last seen on the square in 2010.
Ross Kemp
- Kemp has returned to play Grant Mitchell, a character he first played in 1990. The BBC has described Kemp's storyline as "explosive". Kemp said it was an "absolute honour" to return to the show.
Other aspects of the
Viewers also watched her relationship and family life with Masood Ahmed (
), their
marriage
breakdown, and her abusive relationship with Yusef Khan (
).
Advertisement
Last year, Nina
She shared with us: 'I loved that show. I loved my time on it. I know they've got a big anniversary coming up, and I'm waiting for the call.'
EastEnders airs on BBC One and iPlayer.
4
Nina reflected on the BBC soap's "ridiculous storylines"
Credit: Tiktok
Advertisement

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Jamie Borthwick looks downcast as he is seen for the first time since being suspended from EastEnders over disabled slur
Jamie Borthwick looks downcast as he is seen for the first time since being suspended from EastEnders over disabled slur

The Irish Sun

time16 hours ago

  • The Irish Sun

Jamie Borthwick looks downcast as he is seen for the first time since being suspended from EastEnders over disabled slur

JAMIE Borthwick looked downcast as he was spotted for the first time today since being suspended from EastEnders. The actor was under fire last night after it emerged he had 7 Jamie Borthwick looked downbeat as he was seen for the first time today since being suspended from the soap Credit: Click News and Media 7 He was seen running errands near his home Credit: Click News and Media 7 Jamie's future on the soap is now hanging in the balance Credit: Click News and Media 7 It was filmed while they were on set for the Blackpool special This afternoon Sporting a green striped t-shirt, grey shorts and blue trainers, Jamie cut a casual figure as he made his way to his parked car. An onlooker said: "He looked like a man with the weight of the world on his shoulders, which isn't surprising given the hot water he is in right now." Jamie sent shockwaves behind the scenes at the BBC soap's Elstree-based set last night when The Sun On Sunday revealed a video has emerged of him on the set of the dance show last year. read more on Jamie Borthwick In it, he was seen using the term 'm********s' to describe the people of Blackpool, the seaside town where the show was being filmed for its annual special. Jamie, who plays The footage — which was sent to a pal — shows him backstage during rehearsals alongside co-star The pair were excited to learn they had been selected for the Strictly tour, which toured the country earlier this year. Most read in Soaps Jamie is then seen laughing, before saying: 'Blackpool by the way. Absolute m********s.' The BBC immediately suspended him from the soap while they investigate the matter. Fresh Strictly scandal as Jamie Borthwick & Wynne Evans blasted by BBC over shocking SEX TOY vid filmed in dressing room Last night, they said in a statement: 'This language is entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect at the BBC. We have robust processes in place for this.' Jamie also issued a statement on his own. He told The Sun on Sunday: 'I want to apologise sincerely and wholeheartedly for the words I used in the video showing my reaction to making it through Blackpool week on Strictly. 'I am deeply sorry for any offence and upset my words and actions have caused. 7 Jamie has played Jay Brown in EastEnders since 2006. Credit: BBC 7 Jamie and Wynne Evans both appeared in the video Credit: Splash 'It is no excuse, but I did not fully understand the derogatory term I used and its meaning. That is on me completely. 'Now I am aware, I am deeply embarrassed to have used the term and directed it in the way I did. It was wrong. 'When I made the video, I was excited and caught up in the moment. Again, that is no excuse. But my regrettable actions are not a true reflection of my views, or who I am. 'I enjoyed every minute of my time in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom and the town itself. The people of Blackpool have always been amazing with the Strictly crew, dancers and cast members. 'I know they will be again for this year's show and those in years to come. I am truly sorry.' This isn't the first time Jamie has got in trouble - back in April, he and Wynne were told off by BBC bosses 7 Strictly films its annual special in the seaside town every November Credit: Alamy

EastEnders actress Alice Haig reveals exactly what the old Vicki Fowler star said to her after she took over her role
EastEnders actress Alice Haig reveals exactly what the old Vicki Fowler star said to her after she took over her role

The Irish Sun

time17 hours ago

  • The Irish Sun

EastEnders actress Alice Haig reveals exactly what the old Vicki Fowler star said to her after she took over her role

EASTENDERS actress Alice Haig revealed exactly what her predecessor as Vicki Fowler said to her after taking on the role. Alice, 40, 4 Alice Haig began playing EastEnders' Vicki Fowler earlier this year Credit: BBC 4 The actress spoke to The Sun at this year's British Soap Awards Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 4 Previous Vicki actress Scarlett Alice Johnson reached out to Alice Credit: BBC She took over from previous star Scarlett Alice Johnson, who played the part over 20 years ago. Speaking to The Sun at the British Soap Awards, Alice confirmed her predecessor had reached out. She told us: "Scarlett sent me a beautiful email wishing me luck and being incredibly kind. "It was a lovely thing to get. She said it's great fun playing Vicki Fowler and I couldn't agree more." Read more on EastEnders The Sun previously told how Scarlett Bosses of EastEnders had hoped to win Scarlett back after her portrayal of Vicki developed a cult following online - two decades after her last appearance. The actress A spokesperson for Scarlett told The Sun: 'Scarlett was approached, and was flattered to be asked to return, but the timing wasn't right for her to step back into the role. Most read in Soaps "She wishes Alice Haig and the show all the very best'. Meanwhile, Alice also told us at the Soap Awards: "In all honesty, I think in soap world we suspend our disbelief. We're changing actors. EastEnders' original Vicki Fowler actress Scarlett Alice Johnson TURNED DOWN epic soap comeback for 40th anniversary - as role is recast "Once you're bedded in for a bit, you are the character and you do what you do. "I think what I'm really interested in is trying to find flavours of Michelle - her mum. "As opposed to trying to copy Scarlett, who was fantastic and her own person. "It's much better to be who you are and to try and play it as truthfully as you can, for you." Soap characters who've been recast Soap operas are staple viewing for many people, but even some of the most famous characters have been played by different actors. Here are some examples from over the years. Coronation Street Tracy Barlow : Kate Ford took on the role of Corrie legend Tracy Barlow in 2002. Before Kate, three other actresses had played Tracy - most notably Dawn Acton from 1988 to 1999. Nick Tilsley: Ben Price has been playing Gail's oldest child in 2009, but the former Footballers' Wives star is the third actor to take on the part. Sarah Platt: Although Tina O'Brien debuted as Sarah Platt in 1999, she is the third actress who has played the iconic role of Sarah Platt. David Platt: Completing the line-up of Gail's children, David was initially played by Thomas Ormson for a decade before Jack P. Shepherd took over. Daniel Osbourne: For almost a decade, the role of Ken Barlow's son Daniel has been portrayed by actor Rob Mallard. Before Rob joined, two other actors had previously played Daniel. Bethany Platt: Fans know Lucy Fallon as Bethany nowadays but before her, three other actresses had stepped into the character's shoes. Kirk Sutherland: Before Andy Whyment took on the role of Kirk, he played by an uncredited actor in his very first appearance. Todd Grimshaw: Gareth Pierce stepped into the role of Todd back in 2020, becoming the second performer to play this part. Summer Spellman: Harriet Bibby became the second actress to play Summer, taking over the role from Matilda Freeman in 2020. Ryan Connor: Ryan Prescott currently plays the long-running character, but Ben Thompson and Sol Heras had earlier portrayed the role. EastEnders Martin Fowler: Although Martin was the first baby born on-screen in EastEnders, he hasn't always been played by the same person. His current portrayer, James Bye, is the third actor to star as the character. Peter Beale: Seven actors have portrayed Ian Beale's elder son, with the current actor, Thomas Law, in his second stint as the character. Ben Mitchell: Ben has been played by a total of six actors - with Max Bowden bowing out of the role in March 2024. Bobby Beale: Before Clay Milner Russell, Ian's younger son had been played by four other actors. Freddie Slater : Bobby's best mate, Freddie Slater, had been previously played by twins Alex and Tom Kilby before Bobby Brazier took over in 2022. Chelsea Fox: Former Coronation Street actress Zaraah Abrahams took over the role of Chelsea in 2020. The character had been first played by Tiana Benjamin from 2006 to 2010. Lauren Branning: Jacqueline Jossa took on the role of Lauren in 2010, succeeding Madeline Duggan who'd played her from 2006 to 2010. Johnny Carter: Johnny has been played by three actors since debuting in 2013 - most recently, Charlie Suff has taken on the role. Acting appears to run in Alice's family, as the new star Upon Vicki's return to Albert Square, she was Viewers discovered she EastEnders airs on BBC One and iPlayer. 4 Vicki has a new partner, Ross Marshall Credit: BBC

EastEnders star suspended by BBC over use of disabled slur
EastEnders star suspended by BBC over use of disabled slur

Extra.ie​

time17 hours ago

  • Extra.ie​

EastEnders star suspended by BBC over use of disabled slur

Jamie Borthwick, best known for playing Jay Brown in EastEnders, has been suspended by the BBC after footage emerged of him using a derogatory term about disabled people on the set of Strictly Come Dancing. The offensive remark was reportedly made during a phone video while the cast was filming the Strictly 2023 special at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom in November. Borthwick allegedly used the slur when referring to the people of Blackpool. Jamie Borthwick. Pic: David Fisher/Shutterstock In a statement, a BBC spokesperson said: 'This language is entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect at the BBC. We have robust processes in place for this.' Disability equality charity Scope also condemned the comment and a spokesperson said: 'Attitudes and language like this are never acceptable. It's not just ignorant and hurtful to disabled people, it has real-world consequences. 'Negative attitudes hold disabled people back in all areas of life, from employment to basic access. Jamie Borthwick. Pic: David Fisher/Shutterstock 'Mr Borthwick needs to reflect on what he said, educate himself, and do better.' Borthwick won the Strictly 2023 Christmas special with partner Nancy Xu. He also earned the Best Actor award at the 2023 Inside Soap Awards for his work on EastEnders, particularly the emotional 'Loving and Losing Lola' storyline, in which his character coped with his wife Lola's brain tumour diagnosis and death.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store