EastEnders has confirmed the closure of Walford East as Ravi Gulati struggles with money – but fans are convinced they know who will reopen the iconic restaurant
EastEnders has confirmed the closing of Walford East as Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) battles financial difficulties. However, fans are certain they’ve worked out who will resurrect the beloved eatery, and it’s a familiar face making a comeback.
During recent instalments of the BBC drama, audiences have witnessed Ravi orchestrating an illicit narcotics scheme involving supplier Okie (Aayan Shoderu) and Harry Mitchell (Elijah Holloway), who has been coerced into participation.
Ravi has been grappling with monetary troubles ever since Bernie Taylor (Clair Norris) pilfered funds from the Panesar family enterprises. In a bid to generate swift income, Ravi returned to drug trafficking, yet it proved insufficient to rescue Walford East, reports Plymouth Live.
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Following his inability to settle the business’ tax obligations, Walford East was forced to close by HMRC.
With Ravi having lost his eatery, he is intensifying his narcotics enterprise by relocating operations to Kojo Asare’s (Dayo Koleosho) residence, as they persist in exploiting the mechanic.
EastEnders enthusiasts are now certain that returning character Max Branning (Jake Wood) will become Walford East’s new proprietor, having previously co-owned the establishment alongside Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt).
Back in 2022, Suki and Ravi purchased the restaurant from the duo when it became available.
Posting on X, one viewer commented: “Walford East just sitting there now. Waiting for Max Branning to take it on again #EastEnders.”
A second commented: “Max Branning being drawn into the Ravi storyline makes perfect sense – Max is no stranger to dodgy dealings and it wouldn’t shock me if he’s had ties with Nicola previously. He’s also got history with Walford East having been its former owner.”
A third speculated: “I was thinking Max or a new character. Cindy could be in with a shout or Sharon. #EastEnders.”
“I was thinking Ian or Max might be the new owner”, suggested another.
Back in July, EastEnders confirmed Max Branning’s return to Walford as actor Jake Wood stepped back into the legendary soap role.
Max departed in 2021 following his fling with Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) which concluded after she confessed her genuine feelings for spouse Mick (Danny Dyer), though he remained oblivious to her pregnancy with his daughter Annie.
With Max’s daughter Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) and son Oscar (Pierre Moullier) both now residing on the Square, Max will be reunited with his family whilst addressing “unfinished business”.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer
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