EastEnders star Jaz Singh Deol has shared an update with
his fans over a year after his exit from the soap, revealing
that he still misses his character, Kheerat Panesar.
The actor departed his role as Kheerat in November 2022 after three years playing the popular character, when Kheerat falsely took the blame for Ranveer Gulati’s murder to protect his mum Suki Panesar, unaware of the fact that it was actually Ravi Gulati who killed Ranveer.
Deol has now shared a new headshot on his Instagram account, alongside an update on “what life has been like” since he left EastEnders.
Calling the soap “a great show”, the actor praised his “fantastic character”, saying that having the opportunity to craft Kheerat “meant so much to the fans but [also] people from my community”.
“To this day, almost two years on, people come up to me and share how much they miss him. You and me both,” he continued.
“So why did I choose to leave? Because it felt right and I was hungry for more. This is the start of something that I believe I’m going to offer to the world. It will take however long it takes because that is what it means to be a Journeyman Actor.”
He added that while his post-EastEnders career path hasn’t been easy, he has “never been someone to take the comfortable path”.
“I love what I do and I believe in it. I’m built for this,” he said. “I’m grateful for the things that are now happening externally, but more importantly internally. Life throws you surprising lessons to learn.
“Dream big, have faith and NEVER give up.
“Lots of love to you all who follow me and share the love. I do it all for you.”
Deol’s followers showed their support for his statement in the comments, with many calling for Kheerat to make a return to Albert Square.
With Kheerat’s ex Stacey Slater, parents Suki and Nish and brother Vinny still in Walford, there would certainly be plenty of drama in store for Kheerat if he was released from prison.
