"Manipulative" Suki Panesar Arrives in Walford, But What is She Hiding?

New arrival Suki Panesar will arrive in Walford in upcoming scenes, coming face to face with her estranged daughter, Ash.

Described as "controlling and manipulative" by Balvinder Sopal who plays her, Suki arrives in Walford to move in with her sons, much to the annoyance of Ash Panesar, who recently started her new life with girlfriend, Iqra Ahmed.

Ash has been estranged from her family after she had an abortion at 19, going against her mother's wishes.

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Suki makes a great first impression with Jean Slater, who is also living with a cancer diagnosis, and Suki orders her boys to meet Jean's every need.

Later, Ash comes face to face with her mother, but she's shocked when she collapses to the ground. She pleads with her daughter to call a truce with her family.

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Later in the week, Kheerat heads off to find an office to set up his business, and Suki persuades him to use a property available nearby, making it very clear that she has something up her sleeve.

When Suki and her daughter finally start to bond again, Ash becomes suspicious when her mother's story doesn't add up.

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Speaking to The Sun about her character Suki, actor Balvinder Sopal explained: "It’s quite clear from what has been said on screen that she has a very good relationship with her boys, she is very close to the lads. But as we know, the relationship is a little bit strained with Ash, so we’ll have to see how that develops on screen."

"They have a lot of history, as families do, and they have a few secrets… I think also potentially Ash and Suki are the same person. "You know when you’re at loggerheads with someone who is very much like you? That mother/daughter relationship – they are both very strong-minded." she continued.

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"Ash knows what she wants, Suki knows what she wants and thinks she knows what Ash needs, and Ash doesn’t want that! So, I think there is a conflict of interest there as well.”

“There are lots of exciting storylines coming up, so watch this space I say.”

EastEnders airs weeknights on BBC One.