EastEnders is to introduce the ex-girlfriend of Ravi (Aaron Thiara) and the daughter he never knew he had as part of a new storyline.
Priya Nandra-Hart, played by The Sixth Commandment actress Sophie Khan Levy, is the mother to Ravi's teenage son Nugget (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury) but has been kept estranged from him for all his life following the couple's bitter split years ago.
Unbeknownst to Ravi, however, when they split Priya was pregnant with a daughter - Avani, to be played by newcomer Aaliyah James - and Walford's resident bad boy will be shocked when they both show up suddenly in the Square.
"We're excited to introduce Priya and Avani, two women guaranteed to cause big drama in Albert Square," said the soap's exec producer Chris Clenshaw.
"Little is known about Ravi and Priya's doomed romance, but she's a big missing piece in his past.
"The revelation that he's got another child will floor Ravi, and he is set to face a big challenge in his life when he is forced to cope with such a big shock to the system. We're delighted to welcome Sophie and Aaliyah to the EastEnders family."
© BBC
"I'm super excited to be joining the show, and I can't wait to see what trouble Priya gets herself into!" said Levy.
"I watched EastEnders when I was growing up, so to see so many familiar faces and to walk onto the set is a dream come true."
James added: "To be given this opportunity as my official debut to screen is a true blessing. I have found home in the supportiveness of the cast and crew, and I'm very thankful to feel a part of the EastEnders family already.
"I can't wait to bring Avani to life and to walk her path in Walford, and I'm excited to see what the universe has planned for my own future."
Mother and daughter will be seen on screen for the first time next month.
Neil Wilkes
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