Bride & Prejudice star for EastEnders role

English-Indian actress Shivani Ghai has joined the cast of EastEnders.

Ghai will play Ayesha Rana, a family friend of the Masoods who comes to stay with the family ahead of her arranged marriage.

The show’s official website describes the character as ‘sweet, studious and rather shy’ and notes that she has lived a sheltered life.

Following the death of her beloved father, Ayesha was left alone with a distant mother and uncaring brothers. Having agreed to fulfil her father’s dying wish, going through with an arranged marriage, can the Masoods help her? And will her time on the Square encourage this naive young woman to find her voice?

“I’ve been watching EastEnders for years and am excited to be joining such an iconic show.” – Ghai

Ghai has previously appeared in Bride and Prejudice, House of Saddam, Five Days II and Clean Skin.