EastEnders bosses have revealed that Shabnam Masood will have a 'terrible' secret when she returns to Walford next year.

It was announced over the weekend that Shabnam would be returning after five years off screen, with Rakhee Thakrar taking over the role.



However, viewers will see a very different side to Shabnam as she settles back into Albert Square with her father Masood and brother Tamwar.

EastEnders executive producer, Dominic Treadwell-Collins, said on the show's official website : "Masood and Tamwar have been missing a female presence in their lives and Shabnam's return to Albert Square in January is well overdue - and, by that time, vital...

"We've been exhaustive in our recasting of Shabnam and when Rakhee walked in the room, everyone - including Nitin - knew that she was perfect.

"The Shabnam who returns home is older, wiser and a chip off her mother's block. And - of course - carrying a terrible secret from her time away from Walford."

Shabnam was previously played by actress Zahra Ahmadi. Get the Inside Soap magazine on your iPhone or iPad