Nina Wadia wants to return to 'EastEnders'.
Nina Wadia
The 52-year-old actress portrayed Zainab Masood on the BBC One soap from 2007 to 2013 but made the decision to leave the series so she could spend more time with her family and to also have a break from constantly playing the same character.
But Nina insists that the show remains in her heart and she is certain she will step foot back in Albert Square at some point in the future.
In an interview with the new issue of Inside Soap magazine, she said: "I know I'll step back into the Square in the future. I've ben asked back a couple of times, but the timing wasn't right. It was to be a joint decision between 'EastEnders' and me."
Nina first gained fame due to her comedy sketch show 'Goodness Gracious Me' which lampooned British Asian culture and the UK and a desire to return to her comic roots was also a factor in her leaving 'EastEnders'.
She said: "'EastEnders' changed my career in the most beautiful way. But I needed to go back out into the world and refresh myself and do some comedy. Some actors can handle being in the show long-term, yet I had to have a break."
Nina was one half of a memorable soap married couple along with Nitin Ganatra, who played Zainab's husband Masood Ahmed.
And when she does return to Walford she wants Zainab and Masood to reconcile romantically.
She said: "Me and Nitin met on a stage show that was the precursor to 'Goodness Gracious Me', so when 'EastEnders' wanted to cast my husband I suggested Nitin. I was really upset when they split up Masood and Zainab. It was true love. They have to get them back together one day."
Tagged in Nitin Ganatra Nina Wadia