MotherThe of all battles

Eastenders’ Ash confronts her mum over Jags’ jail plight – and pays a high price, says Gurlaine Kaur Garcha

War breaks out among the Panesars in Eastenders this week when Ash finally stands up to her controlling mother. With her brother Jags in jail for an assault he didn’t commit, Ash is furious with Suki for having framed him, especially now his girlfriend Habiba – who’s fled Walford – is expecting their baby. But Ash also feels guilty that she was complicit in Suki’s lies because of the power her mother holds over the family.

It all kicks off when Ash learns that Jags – who’s serving four years for his brother Vinny’s attack on Martin Fowler – will become a father while behind bars. When Suki tells Ash she already knows about the baby and doesn’t care, the pair have a vicious set-to before Ash looks for comfort from Iqra, her girlfriend and Habiba’s sister. Instead, after Ash confesses she and her family all knew Jags was innocent, Iqra dumps her.

‘Ash has never stood up to her mum before,’ says Gurlaine Kaur Garcha, who plays her. ‘What provokes the argument is knowing that because of their lies an innocent child – and a new member of her family – is going to be coming into the world without a dad.

‘Ash feels guilty that she’s contributed towards this situation, so she wants to try to put it right. Things get heated but Suki quickly reminds Ash she’s got the control. And, once Ash has told Iqra the truth, she also has to deal with their relationship ending. It’s all very sad for Ash.’

With nowhere else to go, Ash has to take all her mum throws at her, and she’s upset about her split with Iqra too. ‘Ash thought she’d be able to explain it to Iqra and that they’d work through it, as they love each other,’

says Gurlaine. ‘But Iqra’s lost her sister because of all the lying. When Ash realises Iqra’s not going to be fine, she pleads with her but in vain.’

Could Peter Beale be her next love interest? ‘Ash likes him as a friend,’ says Gurlaine. ‘It may develop into something more, but who knows!’

Gurlaine, 27, is pleased to be playing a bisexual in such a big show. ‘It’s rewarding to feel you’re helping people and giving them a sense of comfort, so they know they’re not alone.’

Not surprisingly, her life has

changed since joining Eastenders in 2019. ‘It’s made me feel all the belief that was invested in me was worth it, especially being from an Indian community, where acting is not seen as a sensible or reliable career.

‘I’m sure I’ve got a long way to go but the first step is there. People recognise me out and about, and it’s so important to be kind because I might have made someone feel better just by saying hello. It’s still surreal at times and I have to pinch myself.’ ■