EastEnders may be preparing to welcome another iconic character following the surprise return of Jane Beale.
Recently, BBC soap viewers were left gobsmacked as Jane (played by Laurie Brett) made an unexpected reappearance. As long-time watchers will remember, Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) had been harbouring a significant secret from his family, including his partner Cindy (Michelle Collins).
Suspecting him of infidelity, Cindy tracked down Ian and discovered him at a secluded cottage in the Cotswolds. It was then unveiled that Ian had paid a visit to his former wife, Jane.
Jane had sought Ian's counsel on how to re-establish a connection with their son Bobby (Clay Milner Russell), who also turned up at the cottage with Peter (Thomas Law).
In Wednesday's episode (July 17), available on iPlayer, Jane succeeded in bonding with Bobby during a poignant heart-to-heart. Before Bobby returned to Walford, Jane presented him with his 21st birthday gift, reports the Daily Star.
Bobby appeared thrilled as he unwrapped a bracelet engraved with Ayat-Al-Kursi, regarded as the most potent verse of the Quran. He then questioned Jane about her knowledge of it, but she deflected the query, simply telling Bobby she would clarify at a later date.
However, the truth emerged later when Jane was seen alone at home on the phone. Contrary to her earlier claim to Ian that she was single, Jane was conversing with a romantic partner who remained off-screen.
She told him: "Okay, love, see you later. Oh, Masood? That silver band with the scripture? He loved it. Thank you."
Jane was speaking with Masood Ahmed (Nitin Ganatra) who didn't appear on-screen in that episode.
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Since arriving in Albert Square in 2007, Nitin Ganatra's character Masood has been a favourite amongst viewers and has seen his fair share of hardships and romances, including with Jane and Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth).
Last spotted in Walford in 2019, Masood departed for Australia seeking a new life. However, after Jane's recent phone call to him, fans have become hopeful of his return to the show.
Reactions came pouring in on X, formerly known as Twitter, with one user exclaiming: "Masood is deffo coming back AHHH."
Another asked eagerly: " Does this mean a Masood return? ! ? Eastenders really doing bits this week."
Others were taken aback by the unexpected pairing, a third added: "Jane is back with Masood? ! Didn't see that one coming."
While another demanded: "Jane and Masood? ! Get them on screen together immediately."
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
