'EastEnders' actor admits Yusef sympathy

EastEnders newcomer Ace Bhatti has revealed that he has sympathy for his scheming character Yusef Khan.

Yusef has proved to be a mysterious figure since his first appearance on Albert Square last November, but his intentions are expected to become clearer in the coming weeks as he steps up his attempts to steal back ex-wife Zainab (Nina Wadia) from her second husband Masood Ahmed (Nitin Ganatra).

In an interview with the latest edition of Inside Soap, which comes out tomorrow, Bhatti confessed that he can see why his alter ego has become so twisted.

The actor said: "He's very insecure. Zainab left him when he was 17 and it brought shame on him and his family. I can understand his behaviour in some ways."

Meanwhile, discussing the fan reaction to his character, he admitted: "A couple of women have come up and told me that I'm a bad man."

Bhatti also hinted that Yusef will become more firmly established as a Walford villain over the next few weeks.

"Well, Yusef does have more bad qualities than good," he teased. "Fans call me Dr Evil."

Read more about the Masoods' current storyline with Yusef:-
> EastEnders actor promises Masood shocks
> EastEnders' Masood 'to kidnap Yusef'
> EastEnders actor: 'Yusef gets very nasty'
> EastEnders actor doesn't want divorce plot
> EastEnders actor praises Yusef impact