EastEnders: Soap newcomers Mariam and Arshad Ahmed spotted on set for the first time ahead of their Albert Square debut... but just who are Masood's feisty aunt and uncle?
It was recently revealed that newcomers Mariam and Arshad Ahmed are moving into Albert Square.
And the pair, played by The Kumars At No 42 star Indira Joshi and former Casualty actor Madhav Sharma, have now been spotted on the BBC One soap set's for the very first time.
The newcomers were seen making their grand arrival in Watford, sitting side by side in a green van, in scenes set to air early next year.
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Making their debut: EastEnders newcomers Mariam and Arshad Ahmed have been spotted on the BBC One soap set's for the very first time
Mariam and Arshad are the feisty aunt and uncle to Masood Ahmed (Nitin Ganatra), who makes his return to the BBC soap later this year.
The Ahmeds have lived in London for most of their lives but wanting a bigger house to enable them to continue with their fostering they decide to take Masood upon his offer of renting number 41.
Little do they know what awaits them when they set foot in Albert Square.
Family: Mariam and Arshad are the feisty aunt and uncle to Masood Ahmed (Nitin Ganatra), who makes his return to the BBC soap later this year
Moving in: The pair decide to take Masood upon his offer of renting number 41
The Ahmeds' arrival in Walford is certainly not the hassle free move they were expecting and immediately find themselves caught up in the middle of other people’s drama.
However, Mariam soon realises that although Walford may not be the most desirable of locations, there is a real sense of community spirit and one that the Ahmeds want to be part of.
With Arshad’s jovial and mischievous ways and Mariam’s no-nonsense yet gentle attitude and kind soul, it seems that the Ahmeds are going to fit in nicely in Albert Square.
Indira Joshi is best known for her role in the award winning comedy The Kumars at No. 42 and has a wealth of television experience.
Drama: The Ahmeds' arrival in Walford is certainly not the hassle free move they were expecting and immediately find themselves caught up in the middle of other people’s drama
Speaking of joining the show, Indira said 'I’m over the moon to be joining EastEnders and to be part of the Ahmed family. I’m really looking forward to working with Madhav and Nitin as well as the rest of the cast'.
Madhav Sharma, a well-established actor of stage and television including Casualty and Doctor Who, added: 'It’s really great to be joining EastEnders and I’m excited to be part of the Ahmed family.
'The first continuing drama I starred in was on the BBC so this is like coming home for me. I’m really looking forward to playing Arshad.'
John Yorke (Executive Consultant) said: 'We’ve always known that Masood came from a big family, and the time has now come to reveal a few more of them, of which Mariam and Arshad are just the first.
'Nitin has been invaluable to the show since he and the Masoods first rolled up in Albert Square. We’re really excited to bring in the next generation of the family, for some incredibly challenging, fun and exciting stories ahead.'
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