EastEnders actress Aaliyah James has been playing the role of Avani Nandra-Hart in the BBC soap since 2023
EastEnders has seen a host of fresh faces in recent years, including actress Aaliyah James, who portrays Avani Nandra-Hart on the BBC One soap.
Avani was introduced to viewers back in 2023 and it’s fair to say she’s become a key member of the EastEnders ensemble over the past two years.
She’s been at the heart of numerous dramatic storylines since her arrival in Walford, with the latest twist revealing that she’s expecting a baby after a romantic encounter with newcomer Joel Marshall (Max Murray).
Off-screen, actress Aaliyah leads a life quite different from her character’s. Let’s delve a bit deeper….
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Who is Aaliyah James?
Aaliyah, whose full name is Aaliyah Laiqah James, hails from Greenwich, London. She developed a passion for drama from an early age, earning a GCSE in the subject and participating in productions with Old Vic New Voices and the Age Exchange Company.
In 2022, Aaliyah made her television debut in the BBC One crime drama Inside Man, where she played a train passenger in the first episode, reports Plymouth Live.
When she’s not on set, Aaliyah keeps her fans in the loop via her Instagram account, regularly posting photos from luxurious trips to places like Ibiza, as well as star-studded events such as the National Television Awards.
Career
After making her TV debut in 2022, it was announced that Aaliyah had landed the role of Avani Nandra-Hart in the BBC One soap EastEnders. She made her first appearance on the soap in October 2023.
Avani made her entrance alongside her mum Priya Nandra-Hart, portrayed by Sophie Khan Levy. It was unveiled that Priya is the former flame of Ravi Gulati (played by Aaron Thiara) and Avani is his daughter, a fact he was previously oblivious to.
Avani holds the title of younger sister to Davinder ‘Nugget’ Gulati (portrayed by Juhaim Rasul Choudhury) and is the step-granddaughter of Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal).
Since joining EastEnders, Avani has found herself at the heart of major storylines, including an underage romance and, more recently, a storyline about teenage pregnancy.
“To be given this opportunity as my official debut to screen is a true blessing,” expressed Aaliyah following the announcement of her role in 2023.
She added: “I have found home in the supportiveness of the cast and crew, and I’m very thankful to feel a part of the EastEnders family already. I can’t wait to bring Avani to life and to walk her path in Walford, and I’m excited to see what the universe has planned for my own future.”
Real age
Aaliyah was born in the year 2000 and is 25 years old.
Her actual age has caused quite a stir among EastEnders fans since she first appeared on the show, as her character Avani is only 17.
Aaliyah has even humorously addressed the age difference between herself and her character. On social media last year, celebrating her 24th birthday, she joked: “Guys… I’m now 15.. i mean 24 years old.”
EastEnders airs Monday – Thursday on BBC One at 7.30pm. All episodes are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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