Holby City star Laila Rouass to make ‘dream come true’ with EastEnders role

Holby City star Laila Rouass has said she will make a “lifelong dream come true” when she makes a guest appearance in EastEnders.

The Stepney-born actor will appear for a guest stint on the BBC soap, as new character Ayesha, in early August.

Producers say her character arrives in Walford following an invitation from Nish, and it is quickly apparent she has history with him, Suki and the Panesar family.

They said it will transpire that Ayesha knew Suki and Nish a long time ago, but that they have not been in touch for many years.

Speaking of her performance on the show, the 53-year-old said: “I cannot tell you how excited I am to be in EastEnders.

“I was born in the East End and grew up there, and there was such a buzz when the show started.

“Even though I was little at the time, I can clearly remember the first episode and Doctor Legg arriving at the flat where Reg Cox had been murdered.

“I’ve also known Navin Chowdhry (Nish Panesar) for many years, so it was great to work with him again and to do scenes with Balvinder Sopal (Suki Panesar) and the rest of the Panesars as Ayesha reunites with them.

“This is a lifelong dream come true.”

Rouass is best known for playing doctor Sahira Shah in Holby City, between 2011 and 2021, and Amber Gates in Footballers’ Wives, where her character was reportedly based on Victoria Beckham.

She has also appeared in Primeval and Spooks, as well as competing as a contestant on the seventh series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2009, where she was partnered with Anton Du Beke.