AJ Ahmed

Last updated

AJ Ahmed
EastEnders character
AJ Ahmed EastEnders.jpg
Portrayed by Phaldut Sharma
Duration2012–2014
First appearanceEpisode 4458
9 July 2012 (2012-07-09)
Last appearanceEpisode 4783
10 January 2014 (2014-01-10)
Classification Former; regular
Introduced by Bryan Kirkwood
In-universe information
OccupationMechanic
Brothers Masood Ahmed
Inzamam Ahmed
Wife Aliyah Ahmed (until 2013)
Uncles Arshad Ahmed
Nephews Syed Masood
Tamwar Masood
Kamil Masood
Nieces Shabnam Masood
Other relatives Iqra Ahmed
Habiba Ahmed

AJ Ahmed is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders , played by Phaldut Sharma. The character made his first on-screen appearance in episode 4458, which was first broadcast in the United Kingdom on 9 July 2012. Sharma filmed his final scenes before Christmas 2013 and the character's final episode was broadcast on 10 January 2014, being episode 4783.

Contents

AJ is an extension to the established Masood family, the younger brother of established character Masood Ahmed (Nitin Ganatra). He is disliked by Masood's wife Zainab Masood (Nina Wadia), but brings out a previously unseen fun side to his brother. AJ is portrayed as a mechanic who is cheeky, fun-loving, irresponsible, annoying and spontaneous, though he makes decisions by flipping a coin. Other storylines include a feud with Derek Branning (Jamie Foreman), divorcing his wife Aliyah Ahmed (Ann Wenn) and lending support to Masood through financial problems and his breakup with Zainab. The character has received mixed comments from critics, with Laura White from Inside Soap saying he is "the perfect tonic for a family almost constantly dogged with crisis", and Anthony D. Langford from AfterElton.com praising the character but wondering if the writers knew what to do with him.

Storylines

After his arrival in Walford, AJ's brother Masood (Nitin Ganatra) makes sure he avoids his ex-wife Zainab (Nina Wadia), because she dislikes him. AJ proves to be a bad influence on Masood when they damage Derek Branning's (Jamie Foreman) car with a shopping trolley and AJ is punched by Derek. [1] AJ discovers that Masood and Zainab are divorced and later tells Masood he came to Walford because his wife Aliyah (Ann Wenn) has left him. [2] After Masood inspires AJ with his reunion with Zainab, AJ leaves to reconcile with his own wife. [3] He returns a few weeks later saying that he and Aliyah are divorcing. [4] Zainab contacts Aliyah to try to get her to take AJ back, and AJ says that Aliyah had an affair. [5] Aliyah drops off AJ's belongings and reveals that there was no affair. AJ then explains that he left Aliyah because she wants children and he does not. [6] AJ moves in with Masood and his family. Zainab dislikes his laziness and she becomes annoyed when he brings Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons) back after a drunken evening. [7] Roxy stays the night but makes it clear that it was a one-off. [8]

AJ gets a job from Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) as a mechanic to help the family with their financial problems. [9] He selfishly takes money from the family to buy a motorbike, but then sells it to help pay the mortgage. [10] When Zainab says she will stop interfering in people's lives, AJ uses the opportunity to annoy her. [11] AJ and Aliyah receive their decree nisi. [12] When Zainab has a job interview, AJ tells the interviewer she has short-term memory loss. However, when he apologises via a Post-It note, she returns the apology. [13] AJ supports Masood when his relationship with Zainab ends. When AJ has to look after Masood's young son Kamil Masood (Arian Chikhlia), he admits that he is not good with children, and was scared when Aliyah wanted one, because he feels he cannot look after himself properly, let alone a child. However, he bonds well with his nephew. [14] AJ is offered a job as an assistant manager at a garage in Birmingham. Although he initially wants to turn down the position, he eventually accepts the job offer. Shortly before he leaves Walford, AJ learns that his mother has died. Masood is angry with AJ when he explains that he cannot attend their mother's funeral. AJ then leaves for Birmingham.

Character creation and development

Casting and introduction

Sharma was recommended for the part of AJ by Nitin Ganatra (Masood) after the character was described to him, because producers wanted AJ and Masood to be funny together. The two actors had previously performed in comedy together in short film The Drop, Channel 4's Meet the Magoons and a programme called To Eat with Your Fingers, so Ganatra thought Sharma would be perfect for the role and he was the first person he thought of. [15] [16] Ganatra and the producers went through ideas of how a brother would affect Masood and what their relationship would be. [16] Ganatra explained that he thought Masood only had one brother until he was told about AJ. [17] When Sharma and Ganatra performed a scene together at Sharma's audition, the dialogue came so naturally to them that producers thought they were improvising, but, as Ganatra explained, they "know each other's style [and] have all these shortcuts. It's like having a real brother." [15] Sharma was offered the part immediately after his interview. [18] Sharma added in March 2013: "I've known Nitin for years and he really lobbied for me to get the role of AJ, and as soon as I finished my audition the producers offered me the part and asked if I wanted a cup of tea, to which I replied, 'Yes please, I've waited 20 years for that cup of tea', but it's been really nice to just jump onto a set with someone I've already bonded with—it's like having a pre-built family to bounce off." [19] He had also previously worked with his co-stars Nina Wadia (Zainab Masood) and Marc Elliott (Syed Masood), so felt it was "cool" and "familiar" to work with them. [18] Sharma revealed in an interview with Inside Soap that his own mother always thought he should play Masood's brother after watching EastEnders for many years. [20] The first scene Sharma filmed was with Ganatra on the set outside The Queen Victoria public house, and he found it "really surreal". [18]

The character and Sharma's casting were announced on 1 June 2012. [21] The character's name stands for Amjad Jahangir. [22] It was reported that AJ arrives in Albert Square hoping to reconnect with Masood and build bridges with his family, then AJ gets himself and Masood in trouble, so Masood wonders if AJ is running away from something. [21] Sharma said "I think it's a really fun, colourful and lively part and I can't wait to see where it goes!" [22] Speaking of AJ's arrival, Ganatra said that he felt "very confident, happy and excited about having a new character to play against", especially a new member of the family, "because the Masoods are always about family." [16] AJ first appears in the episode originally broadcast in the UK on 9 July 2012, [1] which is EastEnders' 4458th episode. [23]

Characterisation

AJ is a mechanic, who is described as a chancer who "never misses an opportunity for excitement." [21] He is characterised as a free-spirited, fun-loving and carefree rebel, [24] who does not always realise how his spontaneity affects other people. [22] He is described as cheeky, [21] [25] irresponsible, [22] a bad influence, [26] a joker, [17] a charmer [27] and a talker. [28] It is said that he does not plan or do what people expect of him, is fun to be around and could be running away from life. [22] A writer for the BBC said that he lives "like there's no tomorrow", [22] and makes decisions based on the results of a coin flip. [21] The coin, described as "lucky", [10] [29] [30] is inspired by the Bollywood film Sholay , in which two friends make decisions based on the flip of a coin, though one friend does not know that both sides of the coin are the same. Ganatra stated in an interview on This Morning that he did not think that the two sides of AJ's coin were the same. [17] Sharma described AJ as "the clown who loves to play" and "a little bit of a hippy", saying "he's got a real wheeler-dealer, Del Boy aspect to his character." [20] He has twice compared AJ to a puppy dog, because he is nice but annoying, [20] and he is fun but a nuisance. [18] Sharma, who was brought up in Newport, said that "the charm, humour and personality" of Welsh people he knew helped him to create the character of AJ. [19]

Laura Morgan from All About Soap called AJ "mischievous", [31] and the magazine also called him "bothersome" and "crazy". [32] Nathan Bevan from Western Mail has called him "gregarious", an "aggro-magnet", [33] a "trouble-magnet", "wise-cracking" and "wheeler-dealing". [19] He has also been called "flighty", [20] a "tearaway", [34] "naughty" [17] and "good-for-nothing". [35]

Role within the Masood family

AJ despairs of his older brother's relationship with Zainab. He makes it his mission to lead Mas astray... be the antidote to what he sees as his sister-in-law's lifelong mission to sap the life out of his brother. [22]

—The BBC on AJ

AJ is a member of the Pakistani Masood family, headed by Masood Ahmed, played by Ganatra. Masood is married to Wadia's character, Zainab Masood (though at the time of AJ's arrival they are divorced and planning to remarry), and they live with their children Syed Masood (Elliott), Tamwar Masood (Himesh Patel) and Kamil Masood (Arian Chikhlia). Masood and AJ also have an older brother, Inzamam Ahmed (Paul Bhattacharjee). AJ is younger than Masood. [16] AJ has been called "the black sheep" of the family [20] and "a delinquent uncle". [16]

AJ and Masood had lost touch for three years prior to AJ's arrival, and had fallen out because of an argument between Zainab and AJ's wife Aliyah, [16] said to be that Aliyah once made an obscene comment to her. [15] AJ was described as "the polar opposite to his control freak sister-in-law [Zainab]", and it was said that "sparks [would] fly in the Masood household as the battle lines are drawn [between them]." [21] Zainab thinks AJ is reckless and she has little time for him. [17] Ganatra said that there is tension between AJ and Zainab, and although Zainab does not necessarily dislike AJ, she does not like that AJ gets Masood into trouble, and Zainab's hatred for Aliyah does not help. [16] Inside Soap called Zainab AJ's archrival. [20]

Nitin Ganatra.jpg
Nina Wadia.jpg
Actors Nitin Ganatra (left) and Nina Wadia (right), play AJ's brother Masood Ahmed and sister-in-law Zainab Masood. AJ was brought in to "stir up Masood's life", [16] while Zainab was called AJ's "arch rival". [20]

AJ brings out a different side to Masood, which Ganatra said could "upset the status quo". [15] He said that AJ was brought in "to stir up Masood's life, and that has exciting prospects", and they would "get up to all sorts of shenanigans." [16] Presenter Kate Thornton, when interviewing Ganatra, said AJ was a "playmate" for Masood, [17] while Wadia said that AJ brings the comedy back to Masood. [36] Inside Soap's Kate White called AJ "a world away from family man Masood", [15] while Soaplife said AJ is "not a good influence but he sure puts a smile on [Masood's] face and a new spring in his step." [26] Daniel Kilkelly from Digital Spy said that AJ's influence on Masood is "infectious". [37] AJ's arrival allows people to see what Masood was like before he married Zainab, as all that was known about him to that point was his life with her. Ganatra stated: "So by opening this door, you get to see what Masood was like in his childhood and as a teenager. Masood did have a naughty streak—he was in a band with his brother, and they got up to mischief. Masood [...] has been put on the straight and narrow [since]. But prior to that, he was a teenager like any other—getting into trouble, and that was in cahoots with his brother AJ!" [16] Ganatra said that, as British Asians, Masood and AJ grew up going to clubs and getting into trouble with girls. [15] Now, Masood sees AJ as somebody with "no responsibilities, no children and no stress of having to provide for a family" and as AJ suffers marital problems, is feeling lonely and has no children, Ganatra said "they want each other's lives, which is quite a nice dynamic to play." [16] He added that "AJ would love the stability of a family life like Masood's, while Masood would love to pack his bags, get drunk and perhaps end up in a stranger's bed. I'm interested to see him bring out Masood's naughty streak—and where that could take them..." [15] AJ is accepting of Syed's homosexuality and his relationship with Christian Clarke (John Partridge). [38]

Sharma said that AJ would be an "unlikely saviour" for the Masood family when they find themselves in financial trouble. Although he called AJ the "family rebel", he said that the character is "doing what he can to help out with the money problems [because] when the going gets tough, AJ will step in to help his loved ones—and while he will probably never take the conventional route, he'll always get something sorted out in the end." [20] [39] He gets a job, and then helps to lift the family's spirits by organising a fireworks display, on which Sharma said, "AJ is just trying to help out his family in his own, dysfunctional way." [20] In November 2012, Zainab makes a promise never to interfere in people's lives, so AJ decides to use the opportunity to test her. Sharma explained: "He is ready to test her promise to the limits! AJ knows exactly how to push all of Zainab's buttons, and now he's going to take full advantage of the fact that she won't let herself be the control freak she normally likes to be!" [20] Jane Simon from the Daily Mirror said AJ is "thoroughly enjoying" testing Zainab's new policy. [40]

Relationship with other characters

In AJ's first episode, he makes an enemy of Derek Branning (Jamie Foreman) when he and Masood crash a shopping trolley into his car. An insider said that AJ should be worried, explaining: "AJ is a bit of a talker and tries to blag his way out of the situation but that just makes things even worse. Derek is quick to rough him up a little to make him realise he's not to be messed with. The confrontation really shocks AJ but he's not going to be pushed around by some bullying bloke he's just met." [28] The Daily Star said that "Derek is the one person AJ really shouldn't make into an enemy", [28] while interviewer Phillip Schofield stated: "If you knock the wing mirror off Derek's Jag you are in for trouble." [17]

On 11 September 2012, it was reported that AJ would seduce Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons) and they would spend the night together in Masood and Zainab's house after an evening of drinking. At the time, it was unknown if it would be a one-off or if a longer relationship would start. [41] An insider from EastEnders told Inside Soap that Roxy and AJ are both looking for fun and they "hit it off" because she loves "a man who can make her laugh and AJ definitely ticks that box." [42] They added that they have "great chemistry" but said that as Roxy is sidetracked by another man, "AJ will have to fight for her affections" if he wants her. [42] An insider also told the Daily Star that the two "can't keep their hands off each other" and "Roxy is more than up for it." They added that "Zainab would go mental if she knew what they were up to under her roof and it remains to be seen whether they can get away with it. Roxy is the last person who Zainab would want AJ to hook up with. [...] Even Masood could not defend his brother this time as he had been pretty disrespectful." [43] Digital Spy also noted chemistry between AJ and Roxy, saying they "clearly enjoy each other's company". [44] Tony Stewart from the Daily Mirror said the relationship between Roxy and AJ is "played for laughs", contrasting with Roxy's relationship with Michael Moon (Steve John Shepherd). [45]

Inside Soap expected AJ to be paired up with Denise Fox (Diane Parish), but actor Ricky Norwood, who plays Fatboy, spoke about his character's rivalry with AJ over her in an interview with the magazine. He said, "There's a little bit of rivalry building up between [them]. Fatboy can tell that AJ likes Denise. But at [a party], AJ puts a [song] on for Denise, and it's just totally wrong. [...] Fatboy takes over and [...] it gets a big response." [46] Inside Soap said that AJ does not know what makes Denise tick, [46] while Sharma said "Denise isn't a big fan of AJ at the moment!" [20] In 2013, Inside Soap said they expected to see AJ paired with Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer), saying, "He's been trying his luck for some time, and surely there's only so long Bianca can fend off AJ. If nothing else, he'd be lots of fun around her kids, as AJ isn't the most mature fella in Albert Square." [47] Vicky Prior from the Metro also hoped to see AJ find romance with Bianca. [48]

Departure

On 24 September 2013, it was announced that AJ, along with three other characters—Kirsty Branning (Kierston Wareing), Poppy Meadow (Rachel Bright) and Carl White (Daniel Coonan)—had been axed from the series by the new executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins. It was reported that Treadwell-Collins was "determined to get EastEnders back to its best" and a spokesperson confirmed the departures. [49] Reports said that it was hoped the move would increase ratings, and a show source added that "[Treadwell-Collins] didn't feel the characters who are leaving fit with the direction he is taking the show so he quickly decided to write them out. He has only been in a month but he is already making big changes. He knows what he wants for EastEnders and is putting plans in place quickly." [50] Sharma filmed his final scenes before Christmas 2013 and the character's final appearance was on 10 January 2014. [49]

Reception

Kay Ribeiro from Heat said, "We like new boy AJ. Not only is he a laugh [...] but he's providing light relief during [Masood] and [Zainab]'s split, which is making us sad." [51] Laura Morgan from All About Soap hoped that AJ would become a permanent character after his initial appearances. [31] In October 2012, Allison Jones from Inside Soap said, "AJ has proved the perfect tonic for a family almost constantly dogged with crisis [and] his tenacious ability to wind up Zainab never fails to entertain! AJ may have only been in Walford for a few months, but it already feels as if we've known him for ages." [20] She also called Sharma and Ganatra, "a killer on-screen pairing". [20] Nathan Bevan from Welsh newspaper Western Mail praised Sharma's role in EastEnders, naming him as one of "50 things you should look forward to in Wales" in 2013, saying, "Anyone who injects a little sunshine into the 'Chekhov with a covered market' drudgery of EastEnders should be automatically given an Outstanding Contribution to Broadcasting Award in our book. So well done Newport's very own Phaldut Sharma who, since arriving in Walford as Masood Ahmed's gregarious but aggro-magnet brother AJ, has helped break up the unrelenting, bicker-filled misery of Albert Square." [33] Bevan later said that Sharma has "shaken up the residents of Walford as the wise-cracking, wheeler-dealing AJ Ahmed", adding, "He's the gregarious, trouble-magnet who's brought some much needed sunshine to the sombre, squabble-filled soapiness of Albert Square." [19] Anthony D. Langford from AfterElton.com said AJ was a "find" but thought the writers might not be sure what to do with the character. [52] Vicky Prior from the Metro said AJ "has lit up the square with his gently laddish behaviour." [48]

After AJ and Derek fight in August 2012, Emma Roberts from MSN Entertainment said it was one of the best fights of 2012, scoring it 5 out of 5 and saying, "This is how soap fights should always be done! It was like Walford turned into the wild west." [53] A writer from MSN TV said that AJ's drunken kiss with Roxy was one of EastEnders' 20 worst storylines of 2012, asked if it was serious and said that it was only made a "little bit believable" because they were both drunk. [54] In the episode broadcast on 2 November 2012, AJ helps his family stand up to Danny Pennant (Gary Lucy). [55] Claire Crick from All About Soap called AJ the "highlight" of the episode, saying, "we never thought we'd say this, but he's really quite funny! We loved how he rallied the family together to stand up to Danny". [56] AJ, who undertakes self-defence classes in a storyline, was used as an example by a spokesperson for the show when EastEnders and other British soap operas were criticised in a study of 830 scenes over two weeks, made by Liverpool John Moores University Business School, who said that exercise was only shown or mentioned on four occasions. [57]

Sharma received two award nominations for his role of AJ: a British Soap Award for Sexiest Male, [58] and an Inside Soap Award for Funniest Male, [59] both in 2013. He was not shortlisted for either award. [60] [61] After his departure was announced, James Lowe from All About Soap opined that he, and the other three characters cut from the show at the same time, were "the right people to go". [62] Yahoo! TV UK said they were "a little bit disappointed" about AJ's departure, because he "has been good value." [63]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jane Beale</span> Fictional character in EastEnders

Lesley Jane Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Laurie Brett. She made her first appearance on 21 June 2004. Brett took maternity leave in 2011 and departed on 19 May. She returned on 8 November and departed again on 27 January 2012. Jane made a temporary return to the show on 6 January 2014 until 20 May of that year and permanently from 24 November 2014 to 23 October 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roxy Mitchell</span> UK soap opera character, created 2007

Roxanne Lizette "Roxy" Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, portrayed by Rita Simons. Roxy arrived in Walford with her sister Ronnie on 24 July 2007 and decides to move permanently to Walford from Ibiza where they ran a bar together. Roxy is the younger of the two sisters. She is described as the "fire", as opposed to Ronnie's "ice". Simons took a temporary hiatus in 2016, with Roxy off screen from 1 January until 4 May 2016. Following the announcement that Womack would be leaving the series, Simons' departure was also announced. Roxy departed the series in scenes broadcast on 1 January 2017, when she drowned in a hotel swimming pool along with Ronnie. Simons returned in 2019 to record a voiceover as Roxy, which was broadcast on 3 May 2019. A younger version of Roxy, played by Elodie de Rohan Willner, appeared in a flashback episode broadcast on 5 September 2022, which focuses on the Mitchell family in the 1970s. Simons reprised her role on 27 April 2023 for a one-off appearance as a hallucination to her daughter, Amy Mitchell.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zainab Masood</span> Fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders

Zainab Khan is a character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Nina Wadia. She made her first appearance on 16 July 2007. Zainab is the mother of Syed, Shabnam, Tamwar and Kamil Masood. She is the wife of Masood Ahmed, who divorces her, and of Yusef Khan, who she remarries after a divorce decades earlier, and who abuses her. Wadia quit her role in 2012 and departed the series in the episode shown on 8 February 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tamwar Masood</span> Fictional character in EastEnders

Tamwar Masood is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Himesh Patel. He made his first appearance on 1 October 2007. On 12 March 2016, it was announced that Patel would be leaving the show, with Tamwar making his final appearance alongside Nancy Carter on 22 April 2016. After more than three years together, he married Nancy off-screen, in Australia, in 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Masood Ahmed</span> Fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders

Masood Ahmed is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Nitin Ganatra. The character made his first appearance in episode 3452, first broadcast in the United Kingdom on 16 October 2007. Masood was introduced as part of the Masood family, a Pakistani-Muslim family gradually introduced across 2007 as part of plans to "diversify" the serial. This marked Ganatra's first role in soap opera and he was "nervous but excited" about joining the serial. His problematic marriage to Zainab Masood, who he had previously starred alongside, served as a key storyline for the character throughout his tenure. Early storylines for the character include bankruptcy and struggling to accept his son Syed Masood's homosexuality. Wadia and Ganatra received positive reception from viewers and critics and were nominated for several awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dominic Power</span> English actor (b. 1973)

Dominic Power is an English actor. Power has portrayed Leon Taylor in the ITV police drama The Bill (2008–2010), Cameron Murray in the ITV soap opera Emmerdale (2011–2013), and Dave Chen-Williams in the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks (2021–2024).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Syed Masood</span> UK soap opera character

Syed Masood is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Marc Elliott, and first appeared on screen on 21 April 2009. Syed is a British Pakistani and is the eldest son of Masood Ahmed and Zainab Masood, and older brother of Tamwar, Shabnam and Kamil Masood. Syed's storylines see him fall in love with a man, Christian Clarke, and his eventual acceptance that he is gay. Syed initially marries his girlfriend Amira Shah but later comes out, and enters a relationship with Christian, despite the pressures of his family and his Muslim faith.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amira Masood</span> UK soap opera character, created 2009

Amira Masood is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Preeya Kalidas. The girlfriend, and later wife, of Syed Masood, Amira first appeared on screen in the episode broadcast on 7 May 2009. The character was described as high maintenance, lonely and insecure. Amira and Syed's wedding on 1 January 2010 was watched by an average of 11.64 million viewers. Kalidas quit the show in January 2010 to concentrate on a career in music, filming her final scenes in March 2010. Her final episode was broadcast on 26 April 2010, after Amira discovered that her husband was gay and had been having an affair with Christian Clarke. She returned on EastEnders on 10 October 2011, but appeared in two extra scenes available on BBC Online and BBC Red Button called Amira's Secret, on 6 and 8 September 2011. The character departed on 8 March 2012. On 11 September 2012, it was confirmed that Kalidas would return to play Amira once more in a brief guest appearance, in the buildup to the permanent departure of Syed and Christian from the show. She returned on 6 November 2012, and departed once more on 12 November 2012.

Michael Moon (<i>EastEnders</i>) UK soap opera character, created 2010

Michael Moon is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Steve John Shepherd. The character is a second cousin once removed of Alfie Moon, and first appears on 1 October 2010 after Alfie's return. He is also the father to Tommy Moon, whose mother is Alfie's wife Kat Moon. Michael is later joined by his father Eddie Moon and half brothers Tyler Moon and Anthony Moon.

Phaldut "Paul" Sharma is a Welsh actor and dancer. He is perhaps best known for his small role in the 2013 science fiction move Gravity, and is also known for playing Achmed in Gavin & Stacey and AJ Ahmed in EastEnders.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yusef Khan</span> UK soap opera character, created 2010

Yusef Khan is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Ace Bhatti. Yusef is the father of Afia Khan and former husband of Zainab Masood. He appears from 23 November 2010. Described as strong-willed, he arrives as Walford's new general practitioner. He departed on 26 December 2011, following the end of his domestic abuse storyline with his wife Zainab Masood in which he served as the show's main antagonist. Bhatti was voted "Best Newcomer" at the TV Quick awards and for "Best Storyline" for destroying the Masoods.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">East Street (Children in Need)</span> Charity crossover mini-episode between British soap operas Coronation Street and EastEnders

"East Street" is a charity crossover mini-episode between British soap operas Coronation Street and EastEnders. It was broadcast on 19 November 2010 as part of children's charity Children in Need's 2010 telethon on BBC One. Written by Daran Little, it stars several actors from both television shows, and depicts humorous encounters between their characters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Greg Jessop</span> UK soap opera character, created 2010

Greg Jessop is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Stefan Booth. He was introduced as the fiancé of Tanya Branning, and first appeared on screen on 1 October 2010 to work on the reconstruction of The Queen Victoria public house. In February 2011 it was announced that filming had commenced for Greg and Tanya's upcoming wedding in April 2011. However, it was unconfirmed if they would actually marry, meaning that the couple's future would hang in the balance until the time of broadcast. Greg and Tanya's wedding was branded the "swankiest wedding the show's seen". On 15 April 2011, Greg and Tanya wed, just before hearing that Tanya's ex-husband Max and their daughter Abi had been involved in a car accident. Joyner has warned that Tanya could break Greg's heart. Greg has been described as "gorgeous", "loyal" and a "himbo with a good heart".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Afia Masood</span> UK soap opera character, created 2009

Afia Masood is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Meryl Fernandes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Poppy Meadow</span> UK soap opera character, created 2011

Poppy Meadow is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Rachel Bright. She was introduced by executive producer Bryan Kirkwood on 11 January 2011 as the best friend of established character Jodie Gold in scenes filling in for those cut from a controversial baby-swap storyline. Poppy returned to the series in June 2011 as a supporting character and comedy element, in a move that was generally welcomed by the tabloid press; her storylines focused on her friendship with Jodie and their intertwined love lives. Both Jodie and Poppy left the series on 14 November 2011, but the possibility was left open for Poppy to return in the future. In June 2012 Bright reprised her role as Poppy, moving into Walford and resuming her employment at the local beauty salon, this time as a regular character. Poppy's storylines became more prominent, including a romantic relationship with Fatboy. The character was axed in September 2013 by new executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins, and Poppy departed on 30 January 2014.

Lorraine Newman is a British scriptwriter, television producer, and the executive producer of the BBC soap opera EastEnders from 2012 to 2013. Newman, who has worked on EastEnders for "nearly 20 years", received the role of executive producer when her predecessor stepped down in 2012. Newman was also the executive producer of Babs, a BBC biopic about Dame Barbara Windsor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kate Oates</span> British television producer

Kate Oates is a British television producer, who was born in Nottingham and graduated from Warwick University. She began her career working as a researcher and editorial assistant for Germaine Greer, before becoming a script editor for the soap opera Crossroads. In 2003, she joined the radio soap The Archers as a producer, a position which Oates credits as the majority of her training. After resigning from this job, Oates began working on the ITV soap opera Emmerdale as a script editor, during which time she assisted with the soap's fortieth anniversary celebrations and worked on British Soap Award-winning storylines. She remained in the position until 2012 when she joined Coronation Street as the assistant producer.

References

  1. 1 2 Director: Lee Salisbury; Executive Producer: Bryan Kirkwood; Writer: Patrick Homes (9 July 2012). "Episode dated 09/07/2012". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One. Archived from the original on 26 February 2014.
  2. ↑ Director: Lee Salisbury; Executive Producer: Bryan Kirkwood; Writer: Matt Evans (12 July 2012). "Episode dated 12/07/2012". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One. Archived from the original on 3 March 2014.
  3. ↑ Director: Lee Salisbury; Executive Producer: Bryan Kirkwood; Writer: Wendy Granditer (13 July 2012). "Episode dated 13/07/2012". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One. Archived from the original on 3 March 2014.
  4. ↑ Director: Lance Kneeshaw; Executive Producer: Lorraine Newman; Writer: Sally Abbott (27 August 2012). "Episode dated 27/08/2012". EastEnders. BBC. BBC Two. Archived from the original on 23 November 2012.
  5. ↑ Director: Lance Kneeshaw; Executive Producer: Lorraine Newman; Writer: Paul Quiney (30 August 2012). "Episode dated 30/08/2012". EastEnders. BBC. BBC Two. Archived from the original on 2 March 2014.
  6. ↑ Director: Lance Kneeshaw; Executive Producer: Lorraine Newman; Writer: Colin Wyatt (31 August 2012). "Episode dated 31/08/2012". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One. Archived from the original on 2 March 2014.
  7. ↑ Director: Piotr Szkopiak; Executive Producer: Lorraine Newman; Writer: Peter Mattessi (24 September 2012). "Episode dated 24/09/2012". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One. Archived from the original on 2 March 2014.
  8. ↑ Director: Piotr Szkopiak; Executive Producer: Lorraine Newman; Writer: Peter Mattessi (25 September 2012). "Episode dated 25/09/2012". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One. Archived from the original on 6 January 2013.
  9. ↑ Director: Rupert Such; Executive Producer: Lorraine Newman; Writer: Patrick Homes (22 October 2012). "Episode dated 22/10/2012". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One. Archived from the original on 2 March 2014.
  10. 1 2 Director: John Howlett; Executive Producer: Lorraine Newman; Writer: Peter Mattessi (5 November 2012). "Episode dated 05/11/2012". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One. Archived from the original on 3 March 2014.
  11. ↑ Director: John Howlett; Executive Producer: Lorraine Newman; Writer: Tom Needham (8 November 2012). "Episode dated 08/11/2012". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One. Archived from the original on 27 January 2013.
  12. ↑ Director:John Howlett; Executive Producer: Lorraine Newman; Writers: Rob Williams, Colin Wyatt (27 December 2012). "Episode dated 27/12/2012". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One. Archived from the original on 12 May 2013.
  13. ↑ Director: John Greening; Executive Producer: Lorraine Newman; Writer: Katie Douglas (25 January 2013). "Episode dated 25/01/2013". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One. Archived from the original on 3 March 2014.
  14. ↑ Director: Clive Arnold; Executive Producer: Lorraine Newman; Writer: Colin Wyatt (26 September 2013). "Episode dated 26/09/2013". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One. Archived from the original on 6 December 2013.
  15. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 White, Kate (7–13 July 2012). "The big interview: "We're going to see a very different side to Masood"". Inside Soap . 2012 (27): 32–34.
  16. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Kilkelly, Daniel (3 July 2012). "'EastEnders' Nitin Ganatra talks AJ arrival, Masood future – interview". Digital Spy . Hearst Magazines UK. Archived from the original on 13 December 2013. Retrieved 5 November 2012.
  17. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Presented by Phillip Schofield and Kate Thornton (12 July 2012). "Episode dated 12/07/2012". This Morning. ITV. ITV1. Archived from the original on 17 October 2013.
  18. 1 2 3 4 R, Katy (21 September 2012). "On Set With... Phaldut Sharma". EastEnders. BBC Online. Archived from the original (video) on 22 November 2012. Retrieved 7 November 2012.
  19. 1 2 3 4 Bevan, Nathan (2 March 2013). "EastEnders' Phaldut Sharma says growing up in Newport helped him become a star". Western Mail . Media Wales . Retrieved 4 March 2013.
  20. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Jones, Allison (3–9 November 2012). "The Big Interview: 'AJ's a rebel but he's a lot of fun to be around!'". Inside Soap . 2012 (44): 30–32.
  21. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Kilkelly, Daniel (1 June 2012). "'EastEnders' casts Masood's brother AJ". Digital Spy . Hearst Magazines UK. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  22. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "AJ (Amjad Jahangir) Ahmed". EastEnders. BBC Online. Archived from the original on 24 February 2014. Retrieved 10 July 2012.
  23. ↑ "EastEnders Episode 4458". Radio Times . Archived from the original on 1 August 2012. Retrieved 3 July 2012.
  24. ↑ Nickie (1 June 2012). "AJ comes to town". EastEnders. BBC Online. Archived from the original on 2 March 2014. Retrieved 6 November 2012.
  25. ↑ Tyler, Laura-Jane (9–15 February 2013). "'I want to see Masood's wild side!' Actor Nitin Ganatra hopes his alter ego will be spicing things up now he's single...". Inside Soap . 2013 (6): 34–35.
  26. 1 2 "Mas' brother comes to play!". Soaplife (280): 20–21. 7–20 July 2012.
  27. ↑ "Ender the road!". Soaplife (313): 17. 12–25 October 2013. AJ's always been a bit of a charmer, but it seems like his charm is finally running out.
  28. 1 2 3 Hill, Susan (1 July 2012). "Lads are off their trolley". Daily Star . Northern & Shell. Archived from the original on 3 July 2012. Retrieved 7 November 2012.
  29. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (9 July 2012). "Masood's brother AJ arrives in Walford". Digital Spy . Hearst Magazines UK. Archived from the original on 19 October 2013. Retrieved 5 February 2013.
  30. ↑ "Preview Subtitles for EastEnders: 09/07/2012". subsaga.com. Archived from the original on 19 October 2013. Retrieved 16 December 2015.
  31. 1 2 Morgan, Laura (4–17 August 2012). "Mailbox". All About Soap (276): 62.
  32. ↑ "Off his trolley!". All About Soap (274): 18–19. 7–20 July 2012. Crazy AJ tells Tamwar that he makes all his important life decisions by tossing a coin..."; "Zainab's left seething at seeing her bothersome brother-in-law...
  33. 1 2 Bevan, Nathan (14 January 2013). "Wales Big 50: The 50 things you should look forward to in Wales this year". Western Mail . Media Wales. Archived from the original on 23 January 2013. Retrieved 26 January 2013.
  34. ↑ "Ganatra: Sharma's a brother to me". MSN. 9 July 2012. Archived from the original on 12 July 2012. Retrieved 28 January 2013.
  35. ↑ "Remembering Zainab (image 24)". EastEnders. BBC Online. February 2013. Archived from the original on 14 February 2013. Retrieved 11 February 2013.
  36. ↑ Sperling, Daniel; Parker-Williams, Amie (11 September 2012). "EastEnders' Syed, Christian exits will be painful, say Masoods: Video". Digital Spy . Hearst Magazines UK. Archived from the original (video) on 13 December 2013. Retrieved 4 February 2013.
  37. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (1 July 2012). "'Hollyoaks' Silas return, Corrie and 'Enders newcomers, E'dale exit". Digital Spy . Hearst Magazines UK. Archived from the original on 6 November 2013. Retrieved 7 November 2012.
  38. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (10 July 2012). "Jay is rocked by an alarming discovery". Digital Spy . Hearst Magazines UK. Archived from the original on 19 October 2013. Retrieved 28 January 2013.
  39. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (31 October 2012). "'EastEnders' Phaldut Sharma: 'AJ can help Masoods'". Digital Spy . Hearst Magazines UK. Archived from the original on 12 March 2014. Retrieved 5 November 2012.
  40. ↑ Simon, Jane (8 November 2012). "EastEnders preview: health officials start investigations in Kim's Palace..." Daily Mirror . Trinity Mirror. Archived from the original on 25 May 2014. Retrieved 28 January 2013.
  41. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (11 September 2012). "'EastEnders' Roxy to be seduced by AJ". Digital Spy . Hearst Magazines UK. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 7 November 2012.
  42. 1 2 Moon, Katy (22–28 September 2012). "Roxy gets raunchy!". Inside Soap . 2012 (38): 16.
  43. ↑ Hill, Susan (16 September 2012). "EastEnders: Roxy and AJ's antics upset Zainab". Daily Star . Northern & Shell. Archived from the original on 12 October 2012. Retrieved 7 November 2012.
  44. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (16 September 2012). "Corrie returnee, 'Enders passion, E'dale scare, 'Oaks disappearance". Digital Spy . Hearst Magazines UK. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 8 November 2012.
  45. ↑ Stewart, Tony (23 September 2012). "What's coming up in EastEnders for the week ahead: Could Gary Lucy be Syed's new man?". Daily Mirror . Trinity Mirror. Archived from the original on 1 May 2014. Retrieved 28 January 2013.
  46. 1 2 White, Kate (13–19 October 2012). "The Big Interview 'Fatboy cannot believe he's pulled Denise!'". Inside Soap . 2012 (41): 32–34.
  47. ↑ "Inside Soap Love Report 2013: Inside Soap's Top 20 Hot Romances!". Inside Soap . 2013 (6): 42–45. 9–15 February 2013.
  48. 1 2 Prior, Vicky (26 September 2013). "EastEnders: Character cull shows a lack of storylines for fan favourites". Metro . Associated Newspapers. Archived from the original on 23 May 2014. Retrieved 26 September 2013.
  49. 1 2 Klompus, Jack (24 September 2013). "'EastEnders' axes four stars: AJ, Poppy, Carl and Kirsty to leave soap". Digital Spy . Hearst Magazines UK. Archived from the original on 28 October 2013. Retrieved 24 September 2013.
  50. ↑ Duncan, Amy (24 September 2013). "Four major EastEnders characters get the chop as bosses attempt to lift flagging ratings". Metro . Associated Newspapers. Archived from the original on 24 December 2013. Retrieved 24 September 2013.
  51. ↑ Ribeiro, Kay (20–26 October 2012). "EastEnders BBC1, 8pm". Heat (702): 132.
  52. ↑ Langford, Anthony D. (7 November 2012). "What Is "Hollyoaks'" Shocking New Gay Storyline?". AfterElton.com. Archived from the original on 15 February 2013. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
  53. ↑ Roberts, Emma (20 December 2012). "EastEnders fights: Derek v AJ – EastEnders: The best fights of 2012". MSN Entertainment . Microsoft. Archived from the original on 19 October 2013. Retrieved 4 February 2013.
  54. ↑ "EastEnders' worst 2012 storylines including Kat's lover – EastEnders: Roxy and AJ share a kiss". MSN TV . Microsoft. 22 December 2012. Archived from the original on 20 October 2013. Retrieved 4 February 2013.
  55. ↑ Director: Clive Arnold; Executive Producer: Lorraine Newman; Writer: Colin Wyatt (2 November 2012). "Episode dated 02/11/2012". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One. Archived from the original on 12 January 2013.
  56. ↑ Crick, Claire (2 November 2012). "EastEnders: Chryed – Do we still care?!". All About Soap . Hearst Magazines UK . Retrieved 7 November 2012.
  57. ↑ Brown, David (24 May 2013). "Soap bosses: We're not making the nation unhealthy – we're just reflecting modern life". Radio Times . Immediate Media. Archived from the original on 19 October 2013. Retrieved 12 June 2013.
  58. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (11 March 2013). "British Soap Awards 2013 voting opens, nominations revealed". Digital Spy . Hearst Magazines UK. Archived from the original on 1 November 2013. Retrieved 25 March 2013.
  59. ↑ Dainty, Sophie (22 July 2013). "Inside Soap Awards 2013 – longlist nominees in full". Digital Spy . Hearst Magazines UK. Archived from the original on 14 October 2013. Retrieved 24 September 2013.
  60. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (22 April 2013). "'Coronation Street' leads British Soap Awards shortlist". Digital Spy . Hearst Magazines UK. Archived from the original on 13 December 2013. Retrieved 24 September 2013.
  61. ↑ Rigby, Sam (15 October 2013). "'Coronation Street' leads Inside Soap Awards 2013 shortlist". Digital Spy . Hearst Magazines UK. Archived from the original on 20 October 2013. Retrieved 16 October 2013.
  62. ↑ Lowe, James (1 October 2013). "EastEnders: Everyone's talking about it!". All About Soap . Hearst Magazines UK. Archived from the original on 14 October 2013. Retrieved 5 October 2013.
  63. ↑ "Soap arrivals and departures – October". Yahoo! TV UK. Yahoo!. Archived from the original on 16 December 2013. Retrieved 29 October 2013.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.