Walford lovers
The weather outside is frightful – so Eastenders’ Priya and Gurlaine are wrapping up warm…
Albert Square has celebrated more than one white Christmas in its time – but this year, Inside Soap is bringing the snow early, in celebration of Walford’s newest and most beautiful couple, Ash and Iqra. As Priya Davdra
(Iqra) and Gurlaine Kaur Garcha (Ash) cosy up for our festive pics, excitement levels are high. “I love snow!” beams Priya – and Gurlaine is impressed too. “It has to snow on Christmas Day!” she insists.
“But if it doesn’t, then at least we’ve already had this snow day…”
The two of you are about to celebrate your first Eastenders Christmas – are you excited?
Priya It’s so surreal to be part of something which means so much to so many people, Eastenders is such a big part of Christmas. Like Dot and the Queen’s Speech – they never miss it! It’s a show I’ve grown up watching, and we’ll definitely be sitting down to watch it together as a family this year.
Gurlaine And us! My mum has watched Eastenders for years, and every night my dad asks, “Are you in it tonight?” He follows all the fan pages on social media now. I still remember the
Christmas with the reveal of
Stacey and Max’s affair, I think that’s my favourite so far…
Priya That was insane!
Gurlaine I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through. Watching the Christmas episode is like watching a movie – if anyone talks, they’re sent out of the room!
What kind of Christmas are Iqra and Ash set to have this year – as it’s their first as an official couple?
Gurlaine It’s a big milestone as far as their relationship is concerned.
Priya It’s more about celebrating the season. Being together and enjoying one another’s company is what they’ll value the most.
Neither of them are very over the top, so they’ll just be chilling out.
What presents might they give to one another?
Priya Because Ash is a doctor and works nights, Iqra would get her a coffee machine to help her stay awake.
Gurlaine Could you get me one of those in real life too [laughs]? I think Ash would get Iqra something for her job in the restaurant – a nice organiser, or some kitchen utensils. Or maybe some clothes. A nice jumper!
Priya Iqra’s staple outfit is jeans, a jumper and boots – that’s her.
I enjoy how different we are, stylewise. It means that when I go out I make more of an effort!
Will Habiba be spending Christmas with Iqra and Ash too?
Priya Iqra and Habiba are very close, and Christmas is about family for them too – and she and Ash get along great. Habiba is probably a bit more Christmassy than Iqra in that she’ll dress up a bit more, the presents will be more over the top – and the decorations will be crazy! Iqra is more subtle and simple.
What about Ash and her brothers?
Gurlaine They’re just like a normal family. She has a different relationship with each one, and I do, too! Shiv [Vinny], for example, he’s the little brother, and so lovely and sweet.
Amar [Jags] is the joker, so we have the most banter together. And Jaz [Kheerat] is the more serious one. It genuinely feels like a family because we get on so well, and filming with them is lovely – it feels like home!
But Ash is a very different person from her brothers…
Gurlaine She’s used to them, so she knows how to handle them. I have brothers in real life, so if any of them tries playing a joke on me, they’d better watch their back [laughs]!
The Panesars will be moving into Albert Square whether Ash likes it or not – and how Ash reacts, you’ll have to wait and see…
Are the two of you feeling settled in Walford now?
Priya Yes, it’s been a lot of fun – and Gurlaine and I get along great.
Gurlaine We just got on straight away. I was really nervous when I filmed my first scene, but Priya had already been at Eastenders a little while, and she was so good at keeping me calm and reassuring me.
Eastenders aside, what does Christmas mean to you?
Priya For me, it’s friends and family getting together and celebrating. Having a good time eating and drinking – and presents! And one thing we do every year is a game of giant Jenga. The whole family plays, it’s really fun! I’m so competitive…
Gurlaine She is – I’m amazed we didn’t have a competition for who was throwing the snow the highest during the photo shoot!
Priya Obviously, I’m the Jenga reigning champion…
Gurlaine It’s all about family for me too – and movies. I re-watch all the Harry Potter films every year! My dog, Cady, gets her own pile of presents, just like everyone else. I probably spend more on her than anyone! She’s not interested in wearing the Christmas doggy outfits, though – she’s a bit of a princess. And she much prefers wrapping paper!
What presents might you choose for one another?
Priya Gurlaine loves crisps. But I can’t get her those, can I?
Gurlaine I do love them! Especially jalapeno and nacho cheese f lavour. They’re the best thing ever!
Priya Well, that’s what I’m getting you for Christmas then…
Gurlaine I’d get Priya lipstick.
Priya Yes! I love lipsticks, especially bright colours.
Do you think Iqra and Ash are in for a good 2020?
Priya We hope so! They’re so in love, and I just hope that carries on. Gurlaine They’re so strong to have got through what they already have. Priya I think they can go the distance. Gurlaine I want them to get a dog – my Cady is available if she’s needed!
Do you feel their story has been ground-breaking for Eastenders?
Gurlaine Ash is a bisexual, and she’s a Sikh. I think her story will open doors for people in a similar situation. Hopefully it will help them have more confidence in coming out.
Priya The same for Iqra, who is Muslim. So many people have said it’s great to see this story on a platform such as Eastenders, which is amazing.
As a former Taekwondo champion, Gurlaine, might we see you demonstrating your skills as Ash?
Gurlaine I’d love that! But competing is off the cards right now, as I can’t risk injury. But if the writers were to get Ash down the gym or something – give me a bag, I’ll kick it!