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'EastEnders' prisoner character to shake things up in Albert Square

Aaron Thiara joins as Ravi Gulati. (BBC)
Aaron Thiara joins as Ravi Gulati. (BBC)

EastEnders is set to welcome some new faces over the summer - including the soon-to-be-released from prison Ravi Gulati, set to shake up Walford.

Ravi, played by Aaron Thiara, made his debut in Monday's episode of the BBC One soap although he is currently still behind bars.

Read more: Pete Doherty says he was once offered EastEnders role

He was approached by Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) for help after the soap veteran made an enemy in prison, and in exchange Ravi asked for information on Kheerat Panesar (Jaz Deol) - revealing his connection to Albert Square.

Phil gets to know Ravi in prison. (BBC)
Phil gets to know Ravi in prison. (BBC)

Ravi is revealed to be the son of Panesar family friend Ranveer and once he's finished doing time he will head for Walford where he wants to pick up contact with the Panesars.

However, while Ravi initially seems charming, it soon becomes clear that he will stop at nothing to get what he wants - although what that actually is remains to be seen.

Read more: Laila Morse to return to EastEnders as Big Mo

Thiara said of joining the soap's cast: “My heart is filled with immense gratitude to be joining such an iconic show, working alongside a stellar cast and a remarkable production team.

“It’s a very proud moment for me and my family. This is a wondrous opportunity to approach as an actor, and I can’t wait for people to meet Ravi on screen and witness his rollercoaster of a journey.”

Ravi is set to shake things up in Walford. (BBC)
Ravi is set to shake things up in Walford. (BBC)

EastEnders executive producer Chris Clenshaw said: “Ravi is captivating, cunning and dangerous, and can go from pleasant to menacing with very little warning – unlike Aaron, who’s a wonderful addition to the EastEnders cast.

“We’re all excited to see Aaron bring the character to life and there’s plenty of drama and shocking twists in store – wherever Ravi goes, trouble follows.”

Other characters joining the show include three new members of the Baker family who will arrive to see Mitch, including his drag queen nephew Felix.

Outgoing cast include Maddy Hill as Nancy Carter, Danielle Harold as Lola Pearce, and later in the year, Danny Dyer as Mick Carter.

Ravi will be back on screen later this summer.

Watch: EastEnders cast on the show's shake-up