EastEnders character Avani Nandra-Hart, introduced as the secret daughter of Ravi Gulati, is about to be caught up in a major new storyline in upcoming episodes of the BBC soap.

EastEnders’ Aaliyah James made her debut as Avani Nandra-Hart in 2023 and is set to play a central role in a thrilling new storyline this week.

The newcomer, who portrays Ravi Gulati’s (Aaron Thiara) secret daughter, is about to find herself in serious trouble with the law in the upcoming episodes.

Avani’s day takes a dramatic turn when she skips school with Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd) and Lily Slater (Lillia Turner), only to cross paths with the shady Marvin, who’s carrying drugs.

When the police arrive, they find Marvin’s dropped stash of pills and take the girls to the station for questioning.

Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) and Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) rush to the station to pick up their children, but there’s no one available to answer Avani’s phone, reports Plymouth Live.

Things take a dark turn as the police demand a strip search to see if Avani is concealing any additional drugs.

Her family becomes frantic upon seeing Avani fall apart, and instead of returning to her father Ravi’s (Aaron Thiara) place, she runs off to the playground to take a drink of vodka.

Chaos erupts when Avani’s parents realize she’s gone missing, and they’re shocked to discover her unconscious in the playground.

Off-screen, actress Aaliyah, who is actually 24, has had some fun with the age gap between herself and her character. She joked on Instagram: “Guys… I’m now 15… I mean 24 years old.”

Aaliyah, landing her first significant acting role, has joined the esteemed cast of EastEnders. Prior to this breakthrough, she had a small role as a train passenger in the 2022 BBC One crime drama Inside Man, which featured notable stars such as David Tennant, Dolly Wells, and Stanley Tucci.

Aaliyah shared her appreciation for the role, stating, “Being given this chance as my official screen debut is truly a blessing.”

She also expressed how welcomed she felt, saying, “The support from the cast and crew has made me feel at home, and I’m so grateful to already be a part of the EastEnders family.”

Excited to embrace her new role, she added, “I’m eager to bring Avani to life and explore her journey in Walford, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for me.”

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Actress Laila Rouass has spoken out about her split from snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan after 13 years together, just days after the couple sparked rumors of a possible reunion.

The Mariposa Ball and Awards isn’t just a glamorous evening; it also supports a cause with significant meaning, according to OK!

The charity behind the event, Mariposa International, was founded by Andy Clark-Coates and his wife Zoe Clark-Coates MBE, providing support to families affected by baby loss. This elegant ball brings together celebrities and supporters in a show of solidarity and remembrance for those who have endured the heartbreaking loss of a child during pregnancy, at birth, or in infancy.

Emotional conversations surrounding baby loss and infertility took center stage as hosts Briony May Williams from The Great British Bake Off and Sky Sports anchor James Green guided the evening at the gala. A particularly moving moment came from Laila herself, who opened up about her personal experience with baby loss, which deeply resonated with those in attendance.

“If you can give time and money to causes you believe in, it creates a support system for those who need it,” the former EastEnders star shared with us.

Laila shared her personal tragedy – the loss of her newborn niece, her brother’s little girl, just a week after she was born – a heartbreaking event that has profoundly shaped her understanding of the importance of charity events. “It can feel very lonely. But tonight is about reminding people that they’re not alone,” she explained.

For this east London creative, who had the privilege of presenting the Employer of the Year award, supporting loved ones in times of sorrow means offering help in any way you can.

“When my niece passed away, I was at the hospital every day. Emotional and practical support is key – cooking or cleaning, so they have a clean home to come back to. A week after my niece died, I went with my brother to return all the things he had bought, like prams, cots, and sterilisers. It was so sad.”

At 53, Laila also addressed breaking the silence around baby loss and infertility. “The more we talk about it, the more normal it becomes – because it is normal. I have friends who have had babies through surrogacy, IVF, and adoption. We need to discuss all of it so that people feel supported in their journey.”

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Avani finds herself in a bit of trouble with the police…

In next week’s EastEnders spoilers, Avani’s efforts to lift Lily’s spirits go awry, and Phil and Nigel have a confrontation.

Meanwhile, Linda begins dating again.

All this and more in the upcoming EastEnders spoilers.

1. Lily, Amy, and Avani play truant.

As Lily grapples with her grief, Avani proposes skipping school to lift her mood. At first, it seems to be working, until they run into Marvin, the boy who sold Avani vapes last year.

Marvin quickly offers them drugs, but they refuse.

Things take a turn when the police arrive and notice a bag of pills by Avani’s feet.

At the station, Jack and Jean arrive to pick up Amy and Lily. With Priya and Ravi not answering their calls, Avani is left on her own.

She’s shocked when the officers inform her that they want to carry out a strip search to check if she’s hiding more drugs.

Later, as Suki takes Avani home, the teenager accuses Priya of being a poor mother, before venting her anger on Amy and Suki.

In next week’s EastEnders spoilers: 2. Avani’s struggles continue.

After the strip search, Priya, Suki, and Eve grow increasingly worried about Avani, who appears to be having a hard time coping.

Later in the week, the troubled teen goes to the playground and drinks a bottle of vodka.

When Priya and Ravi realize she’s gone, the anxious parents find her unconscious. Ravi soon discovers what happened to his daughter – but how will he respond?

3. Phil returns home.

Meanwhile, Phil comes back home from the mental health unit. While he appreciates his family and Nigel supporting him, he doesn’t want anyone else to know he’s been in a psychiatric hospital.

However, when Nigel says something inappropriate in the cafe, Phil snaps and reveals that Nigel is unwell.

Nigel then accidentally reveals a major secret of Phil’s before quickly apologizing. George attempts to support Phil, but it proves difficult.

Phil eventually opens up to George during a boxing session at the Den.

EastEnders spoilers for next week: 4. Linda’s excitement doesn’t last long.

Linda is overjoyed when she gets a call from the insurance company, confirming they’ll provide the funds to rebuild The Vic after the fire.

However, when Elaine steps in to take over from her, Linda vents to Denise, prompting Kim to suggest she focus on her love life.

Instead, Linda takes matters into her own hands and tries to play matchmaker for Johnny and Felix.

Later in the week, Linda finally agrees to let Kim help her find a date.

She meets her match, Jeff, at Harry’s Barn.

Meanwhile, George proposes starting an over-40s club at the gym after his sparring session with Phil helps him open up. Gina and Anna look for work at Harry’s Barn, but with only one job available, the two sisters find themselves in competition for it.

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