EastEnders Icon Nitin Ganatra Breaks Silence on Masood Return Rumors: “I Get Asked Every Day!”

The beloved postman may have left Walford, but fans haven’t forgotten—and neither has he

“I Love Masood”—And So Does Everyone Else

Nitin Ganatra, best known to EastEnders fans as the endlessly lovable Masood Ahmed, has spoken out about the daily calls for his return to Albert Square—and his response has fans buzzing with hope.

The actor, who left the soap in 2019 after 12 years (with a one-year break in between), admitted that public demand for Masood’s comeback hasn’t slowed down.

“I’m not exaggerating—three to four times a day,” Nitin told Bang Showbiz while promoting his new festive film Christmas Karma.
“People stop me in the street, on social media… everyone wants Masood back.”

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Why Fans Still Love Masood

Masood wasn’t just comic relief—he was heart, humor, and humanity rolled into one. And Nitin knows exactly why the character continues to resonate with viewers from all walks of life.

“He’s funny, but he also has heart,” Nitin explained.
“We crossed a threshold where people from every background—African, Chinese, working class, middle class—all said, ‘I love you, Masood.’”

Masood’s blend of mischief, vulnerability, and genuine warmth made him one of the most relatable characters to ever work the Walford post route.

A Friendly Warning… If They Ever Meet Again

Though Nitin holds affection for his alter ego, he joked that if he ever got to share a drink with Masood, he’d offer a bit of tough love:

“You gotta calm it down with women!” he laughed.

It’s a nod to Masood’s long-running romantic misadventures—always entertaining, often chaotic, and occasionally heartbreaking.How painting saved EastEnders star from 'paralysing' depression

A Star-Studded Detour to the Big Screen

While Ganatra hasn’t returned to EastEnders yet, he’s keeping busy. His latest project, Christmas Karma, is directed by Gurinder Chadha (Bend It Like Beckham) and features a star-studded cast:
Kunal Nayyar, Danny Dyer, Hugh Bonneville, Eva Longoria, Billy Porter, and even Boy George.

Unfortunately, the film has received lukewarm reviews from critics, some even branding it “one to toss straight on the festive fire.” Still, Nitin’s performance and charm remain undeniable.