EastEnders’ Laila Rouass says Ayesha will struggle to “control her emotions”

EastEnders’ Laila Rouass says Ayesha will struggle to “control her emotions”

As a seasoned movie critic with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that Laila Rouass‘s debut on EastEnders as Ayesha is nothing short of captivating. Her portrayal of a woman grappling with complex emotions and navigating through a web of deceit is nothing less than mesmerizing.


Laila Rouass debuted on EastEnders, portraying Ayesha, the widow of Hardeep, a character who was killed years back by Nish Panesar (Navin Chowdhry).

Ayesha found herself being manipulated by Nish’s plan to drive a wedge between his ex-wife, Suki (Balvinder Sopal), and her partner, Eve Unwin (Heather Peace). This was part of Nish’s failing scheme.

Following a touching reunion with Suki, during which they both shared hidden feelings, Ayesha swiftly asserted her authority over Nish not long after.

After my electrifying introduction on the BBC soap opera, I’ve decided to bare it all about the intricate feelings of my character, Ayesha, and share the secrets behind her ability to deal with troublesome Nish. Furthermore, there may be lingering emotions between Ayesha and Suki that remain unresolved. As a fan, I can’t wait for you to join us on this captivating journey!

Apart from talking about the pleasure she derives from being part of EastEnders, she also shares that she has previously collaborated professionally with her co-star, Chowdhry.

What is it like for Ayesha to see Suki again?

“Ayesha has been quite taken aback since she last met Suki, as much has occurred in her life since then that she’s had to cope with. The tragic murder of her husband left many unanswered questions, and she deeply yearned for an opportunity to share her thoughts about it.”

“She had agreed to see Nish upon his contact because, at the time it occurred, Ayesha was filled with rage and didn’t have room for conversation with Suki. Now that they’re meeting in person, there are numerous complex feelings she’s dealing with.”

Does she still have feelings for Suki?

“Indeed, it seems like Ayesha’s feelings for Suki are reminiscent of a first love, don’t you think? There’s a sense of longing in her heart for Suki, feelings she can hardly explain. It’s almost as if she yearns for the connection they once shared, as her life has taken a completely different course now. She’s grappling with these complex emotions, all while dealing with the man who took away her husband.”

EastEnders’ Laila Rouass says Ayesha will struggle to “control her emotions”

What does she make of Eve?

“Ayesha truly admires Eve, with a touch of admiration-tinged jealousy. This affection, however, is positive in nature. So far, Ayesha and Eve haven’t had the opportunity to become acquainted, but Ayesha finds herself drawn to Eve, sensing her warmth. I can relate to this feeling because Eve genuinely shows her kindness, wearing her emotions openly.”

Is she surprised that Suki has come out?

“Ayesha believes that Suki may be living an authentic life as a married mother because she last saw her in this state. Suki’s bravery in living honestly about herself is admired by Ayesha, and she recognizes the courage it takes to make such significant changes in one’s life. Initially, Ayesha didn’t expect these changes from Suki, but seeing them unfold has been inspiring.”

Does she realise Nish is trying to use her to hurt Suki?

Absolutely, Ayesha isn’t naive. She’s well aware of his actions. Keep in mind that Ayesha has been living next to Nish for quite some time and is acquainted with Suki, who could have shared insights about her spouse with Ayesha.

From an outside perspective, it’s often easier to spot manipulation than the person being manipulated themselves. Therefore, she understands quite well Nish’s intentions in trying to bring her and Suki closer. However, there’s no question that he could be correct in suspecting lingering feelings between them, considering their extensive past history together.

EastEnders’ Laila Rouass says Ayesha will struggle to “control her emotions”

How does Ayesha feel about Nish?

It’s likely that Suki harbors resentment towards Nish due to the revelation that Hardeep’s death, her husband, wasn’t an accident as she initially believed. The truth about the events leading to Nish taking Hardeep’s life has come to light, revealing Suki’s unwitting involvement in the incident.

She won’t stand for Nish’s behavior, not even in his dying days. It’s astonishing how Nish continues to stir up trouble when he should be at peace. If only Nish could channel that energy into something positive, he could achieve great things – he could shift mountains!

 

Can you tease how Ayesha might feel when Eve proposes to Suki in front of her?

“It comes out of the blue, and it’s going to be really hard for Ayesha to control her emotions. She is so overwhelmed by everything that’s happening, and how she feels about Suki having seen her again for the first time in so many years. So it’s going to be a very pivotal moment for Ayesha, that’s for sure.”

EastEnders’ Laila Rouass says Ayesha will struggle to “control her emotions”

What was it like to work with Navin Chowdhry, Balvinder Sopal and Heather Peace on this storyline?

Collaborating with Navin is always delightful; he feels more like a cherished brother than a colleague. For the past two decades, we’ve tackled numerous projects together, and it’s comforting to have him by my side in such projects. Balvinder and Heather were equally pleasant to work alongside, making me feel as if I were among friends.

What’s the reaction been like to you coming into EastEnders for this guest stint?

“It’s been absolutely incredible! I’ve worked with some renowned actors on massive film sets in Los Angeles and Morocco, but nothing compares to the reaction I’ve been getting now. It’s as if everyone is asking, ‘Have you met Phil? Have you met Phil?’ The enthusiasm for EastEnders is contagious, and I completely understand why – I feel the same way myself.”

“When my friend Nitin Ganatra landed the role of Masood, I was thrilled, exclaiming, ‘You’re stepping into The Queen Vic!’ The moment I stepped foot on the set for the first time, I felt a flutter in my heart. Walking onto Albert Square was an iconic experience that filled me with excitement.”

Was your EastEnders experience everything you hoped it would be?

“I’ve longed to be a part of EastEnders, and when the opportunity presented itself, I couldn’t resist! The thought of not doing it seemed unimaginable because I wanted to live this experience at least once in my career. It’s never excited me more to go to work. Being on EastEnders feels like becoming a part of British television legacy, making it an incredibly memorable experience for me.”

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and from 6am on BBC iPlayer.

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2024-08-05 22:04