Navin Chowdhry quit EastEnders after just two years on the popular soap.
The 53-year-old actor, who plays the evil Nish Panesar, will reportedly exit the BBC show in “very impressive and dramatic” scenes.
While his exit plot is unknown, his character Nish is currently dying of a heart condition and in need of a transplant.
A source at the show said The sun: ‘It is not known whether Nish will be killed, even though he has health problems. However, we expect the departure to be very drastic and dramatic.
“Navin has had quite an impact on the show in the two years he was on it, especially as a key part of the huge Christmas storyline with The Six. He will be missed by the cast, crew and viewers.”
MailOnline has contacted an EastEnders spokesperson for comment.
Navin Chowdhry has left EastEnders after just two years on the hit soap
The 53-year-old actor who plays the villainous Nish Panesar will reportedly leave the BBC show in ‘very impressive and dramatic’ scenes
Navin joined EastEnders in September 2022 as Suki Panesar’s (Balvinder Sopal) ex-husband.
He terrorized Suki after being released from prison and was one of the favorites to die on Christmas Day as part of the mystery surrounding which male character would be killed.
In a shocking plot twist, Nish is hit over the head with a bottle by Denise Fox (Diane Parish) as she tries to defend his wife Suki from his abuse. But all is not as it seems.
Although Nish initially appeared dead, Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters) stormed into the Queen Victoria pub and upon seeing Nish’s body, became embroiled in a fight with Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean). Their wedding was called off after his attempted kidnapping of her son Albie was exposed.
Although Nish was apparently revealed as the murder victim, Keanu attempted to strangle Sharon, telling him that she would send him to prison for his attempted kidnapping of Albie if he said anything about Nish’s apparent death.
In a very unexpected twist, Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) grabbed a knife and stabbed Keanu in the back to save Sharon’s life. The final moments of the episode see Suki resurrect her abusive husband Nish.
Since then, Nish has been trying to break up the relationship between Suki and her friend Eve, but she is unable to do so.
He also recently tried to accuse Vinny of his own money laundering practices.
Although his exit plot is unknown, his character Nish is currently dying of a heart condition and needs a transplant
A source said: ‘It is not known whether Nish will be killed off, although his health is suffering, but expect his departure to be very impactful and dramatic. He will be missed by the cast, crew and viewers’; pictured with Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal)
Before joining the BBC soap, Navin was best known for his role in the Channel 4 drama Teachers and the Sky One detective spoof A Touch of Cloth.
He also starred in the military series Our Girl and the Apple TV+ comedy Trying.
This comes after Navin admitted earlier this year that he sometimes asks producers to tone down scenes for his own safety.
In February, father of two Navin wanted to let viewers know that he is nothing like his villain.
“There were times when we had scenes and I’d go to the producer and say, ‘I’ve got to run the school and you’re going to make me beat up all the women in Albert Square,'” Navin told the Daily Star. “I was scared.”
Navin admitted that there has been some criticism from fans that seems to cloud the relationship between him and Nish.
“There have been some strange comments,” he said. “There have been a few unkind messages that I’ve received. But most people understand.”
Navid said he is very aware of the hatred towards Nish and that many had hoped he would be the one killed on Christmas.
“I apologize to the public that I’m still here,” he added.
As an actor, however, Navid said that playing evil characters can be the most fun. “I like being evil,” he said.
Navid went on to say that actors often agree that the “most fun” comes from “doing the darkest things.”
He added: “Sometimes, if you make it really dark, you also have a really fun experience on set.”