DOC AND ROLL EastEnders signs up Doctors star for dramatic new storyline after BBC axed rival soap

A NEWCOMER is on their way to EastEnders and may be a familiar face to soap fans.

The BBC soap has cast actress Bharti Patel, best known for playing Ruhma Carter in daytime medical soap Doctors.

Bharti has played Ruhma in Doctors for almost a decade

3

Bharti has played Ruhma in Doctors for almost a decadeCredit: BBC

She has signed up for a stint in fellow BBC soap EastEnders

3

She has signed up for a stint in fellow BBC soap EastEndersCredit: BBC

It comes as Doctors is set to conclude later this year

3

It comes as Doctors is set to conclude later this yearCredit: BBC

Bharti joined the cast of Doctors in 2015 and has remained with the show since.

Sadly Doctors is set to soon end, with its final episode airing in December.

Throughout her stint in Doctors, the character Ruhma’s storylines have included living with partial deafness and being suspended from her job.

The show also explored her relationship with partner Heston Carter (Owen Brenman) – as well as dealing with his subsequent death.

Bharti will make her first appearance in Albert Square next week, playing the guest character Maya Houssain, an unexpected new friend of Harvey Monroe (played by Ross Boatman).

Next week, Harvey will be seen feeling lonely following the departures of his mates Mitch Baker (Roger Griffiths) and Tom “Rocky” Cotton (Brian Conley) from Walford.

However, Harvey’s partner Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) will encourage the dad-of-two to make new friends.

This comes in the form of Maya, whom Harvey unexpectedly bumps into as the week continues.

Harvey offers to take her cab fare and help her, with the pair ultimately bonding over their shared love of Tottenham Hotspur.

Will their bond be strictly friendship or could there be anything more? How will Jean react to Harvey and Maya’s new friendship?

 

EastEnders facts and figures

 

THE beloved British soap has been captivating audiences for decades.

EastEnders fans convinced Karen Taylor will seduce Harvey Monroe in steamy affair

Actor and professional poker player Ross Boatman joined EastEnders in 2021, being introduced as the father of Dana Monroe (Barbara Smith).

Dana was formerly the girlfriend of Bobby Beale (Clay Milner Russell) and departed the soap in September 2022.

Following the exits of Dana and son Aaron (Charlie Wernham), Harvey is the last remaining member of his family on the BBC soap.

Related articles

RED FLAGS!! Nicole pulls Rida aside and gives her a warning

Yet Rida’s mood shifts when it’s revealed that Ellis’s younger brother Drew, who was driving the car at the time of the crash, urgently needs life-saving surgery….

Eager to get into theatre, Rida dismisses Russell’s questionable behaviour towards her

The first hint that things aren’t quite right happens when transporting patient Ellis Garrick, whose arm has been severed off in a traumatic car crash, from the…

Rida Amaan has come a long way since she joined Holby Hospital back in April 2023, as a junior nurse with a lot to learn

Rida Amaan gets a rude awakening when she joins Holby’s surgical team in Casualty. The fourth instalment of 12-parter Internal Affairs airs on BBC1, Saturday 05 April 2025 at 9.10pm (See…

Casualty viewers were surprised on Saturday night after they spotted a former Coronation Street star in the latest installment of the BBC medical drama| Her Father Gets Stabbed In Jail! | Internal Affairs | Casualty

Coronation Street fans were in for a surprise on Saturday evening (March 30) when they spotted a familiar face from the soap opera in the latest episode…

Where was Breaking Dad filmed? Bradley and Barney Walsh return for new season

TV duo Bradley and Barney Walsh are back for a sixth season of hit ITV travel show Breaking Dad, which is set to push them further outside of their…

Barney Walsh’s life away from TV including model girlfriend and famous dad

Barney Walsh, co-presenter of Gladiators and son of TV star Bradley Walsh, is gracing our screens once again. He is teaming up with his famous dad Bradley,…