EastEnders has confirmed the identity of new character Ayesha, as she makes her first appearance in Albert Square next week.

Last week it was announced that Laila Rouass would be joining the show for a guest stint as Ayesha, a face from Nish and Suki’s past who he invites to Walford.

Now the soap has shared some new images of Ayesha ahead of her dramatic arrival, as well as details about how she knows the Panesars.

ayesha, eastenders

In next week’s episodes, Avani is in need of money to go shopping with Nugget, so asks dad Ravi for money. But Nish steps in and gives his granddaughter some cash to thank her for her help tracking down his old acquaintance.

Meanwhile, Suki and Vinny, who are currently plotting to bring down Nish, meet up for lunch to talk about their plans.

But their meeting is disturbed by Nish, who arrives with none other than Ayesha – the widow of Hardeep, the man that he killed 20 years ago.

nish panesar, ayesha, eastenders

Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron//BBC
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Viewers will remember that Nish previously beat a man to death in an angry rage when he thought that he was having an affair with Suki, a crime that put him in prison for two decades. But last year Suki admitted she in fact had feelings for the man’s wife – Ayesha.

Suki is stunned to see Ayesha after all this time – after all, she previously said that they had a “deep, electrifying connection”.

But there is no happy reunion as Ayesha is still upset at Nish for his historic crimes, and she leaves. Suki follows Ayesha, and they head back to No.41 together.

nish panesar, ayesha, suki panesar, eastenders

Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron//BBC
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Later the pair have a drink at The Vic with Eve and Nish decides to meddle, planting a seed of doubt in Eve’s head about Suki and Ayesha’s close bond.

Eve considers what Nish has said and is irritated when Suki continues to praise Ayesha. However, the couple have a conversation that gives her reassurance.

Eve opens up to Stacey about her worries regarding Suki and Ayesha, but Stacey sees through Nish and suggests he is manipulating the situation.

suki panesar, ayesha, eastenders

Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron//BBC
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There could be a reason for terminally ill Nish’s scheming, as he later reveals to Nugget that his sole wish is to have Suki by his side when he dies.

Meanwhile Eve has a run-in with Nish in the café, and the altercation leads her to a decision. She heads to The Vic to propose to Suki in front of the whole family.

What will Suki say?