'EastEnders' actor praises Yusef impact

EastEnders star Nitin Ganatra has praised the impact that scheming Yusef Khan is having on the Masood family's storylines.

Ganatra's character Masood Ahmed is currently experiencing problems in his marriage to Zainab, partly due to Yusef's (Ace Bhatti) interference.

Speaking to Digital Spy on the red carpet at the British Soap Awards, the actor said of Yusef: "He's very much an arch-villain - he's a great character who's there to put jeopardy into the Masoods' relationship. Zainab and Masood have been married for 28 years and they're mad about each other - for someone to come and destroy that slightly, it's exciting. It's exciting for us to play."

Asked about speculation that Masood could take revenge on Yusef, he replied: "I think there's rumours of revenge! Yusef is a really nice catalyst - he's a very exciting character to throw into the mix. If it goes that way, it's more drama for us to play."

Meanwhile, Ganatra's screen partner Nina Wadia pondered how Zainab might react to the news that her son Syed is hoping to adopt a child with boyfriend Christian.

She said: "If anything, it might drive them apart! I don't know how Zainab feels about gay men adopting a baby, so that will be a challenge! Hopefully she'll get over it."

The British Soap Awards air on Wednesday at 8pm on ITV1.

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Watch our full interview with Nitin Ganatra and Nina Wadia below: