Six years after vanishing from Walford, Masood’s future may no longer be down under…

A Fan Favorite Ready to Come Home?

EastEnders might be preparing to serve another major comeback, as beloved actor Nitin Ganatra—known to fans as the charismatic and chaotic Masood Ahmed—has dropped a massive hint about returning to Albert Square.

Though Masood was last seen in 2019 heading to Australia for a fresh start, his presence still lingers in Walford lore. And according to the actor himself, fans haven’t stopped begging for his return.

“I get asked every day,” Nitin revealed at the premiere of his latest film Christmas Karma. “Three or four times a day, whether it’s people on the street or online—it’s constant. I’d never say no. I love Masood.”

Masood: From Postman to Power Player

First introduced as Walford’s genial postman, Masood quickly became a fan-favorite due to his warmth, humor, and fiery family dynamics. His turbulent marriage to Zainab Masood gave viewers some of the soap’s most explosive clashes and tender reconciliations.

Then came the affairs. The heartbreak. The redemption arcs.

From his affair with Jane Beale in 2011 to his entanglement with Carol Jackson, Masood’s love life was anything but boring. Yet through it all, his wit and loyalty made him one of the Square’s most human and relatable characters.

Nitin reflected:
“Masood’s that guy you’d love to have a drink with, but also say, ‘Mate, maybe calm it down with the women.’”

A Return Already Hinted On-Screen?

Fans were left stunned last year when Jaw, Masood’s ex, returned to Walford and casually revealed that she was back with Masood—off-screen. The reveal reignited calls for Nitin’s official return.

So far, the show has kept quiet. But with 2025 already seeing the return of major characters like Zoe Slater, Max Branning, and Anthony Trueman, it wouldn’t be surprising if Masood rejoined the ranks of Walford legends reclaiming their space.

And with the Mitchells imploding, the Beales feuding, and Kat Slater caught in the fallout from Zoe’s stalker chaos… the time has never been better for a voice of reason (and chaos) like Masood’s to come back.

Masood Still Matters

More than just comic relief, Masood represented cultural diversity and a working-class resilience that resonated with viewers across generations and backgrounds.

“He’s funny, yes,” Nitin said, “but he also has heart. People from every walk of life—African, Chinese, working-class, middle-class—told me how much they related to him. That’s the power of a character like Masood.”