Shabnam Masood is set for an explosive return to 'EastEnders'.
The character, now played by former 'Holby City' actress Rakhee Thakrar, will be carrying a "terrible secret" when she walks back into Walford.
Shabnam was last seen on screen in 2008 with Zahra Ahmadi in the role, when she left her family to live in Pakistan.
She will return to live with father Masood (Nitin Ganatra) and brother Tamwar (Himesh Patel), following the departure of her mother Zainab (Nadia Wadia).
Rakhee Thakrar
Teasing the storyline, 'EastEnders' executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins revealed: "The Shabnam who returns home is older, wiser and a chip off her mother's block. And - of course - carrying a terrible secret from her time away from Walford.
"Masood and Tamwar have been missing a female presence in their lives and Shabnam's return to Albert Square in January is well overdue - and, by that time, vital…
"We've been exhaustive in our recasting of Shabnam and when Rakhee walked in the room, everyone - including Nitin - knew that she was perfect."
Rakhee said of joining the soap: "Having grown up watching EastEnders with my family, I'm really excited to now be joining the show.
"I can't wait to become part of the Masood family and start working with Nitin and Himesh, as well as the rest of the amazing EastEnders cast and crew."
Shabnam will be back on screen in 2014.
