Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James) is currently in the middle of a big EastEnders storyline that has seen her talking to a much older boy.
Avani’s boyfriend Mason recently learnt that she is just 15, but has continued dating her despite her being underage.
In upcoming scenes, things take a horrifying turn when Avani is left injured after refusing to sleep with Mason.
However, having told her family that Barney Mitchell (Lewis Bridgeman) is the boy she has been speaking to, Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) is set to mistakenly seek revenge on him.
This is set to cause huge friction between the Panesars and Mitchells – but will Mason ever be brought to justice?
Who plays Avani Nandra-Hart?
Avani is played by actress Aaliyah James, who joined the show in 2023.
EastEnders marks the young star’s screen debut, as she revealed when the arrival of her character was announced.
‘To be given this opportunity as my official debut to screen is a true blessing,’ she said. ‘I have found home in the supportiveness of the cast and crew, and I’m very thankful to feel a part of the EastEnders family already.
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‘I can’t wait to bring Avani to life and to walk her path in Walford, and I’m excited to see what the universe has planned for my own future.’
During her time on the show, she has been involved in some huge storylines, including one which has seen her inherit all of Nish Panesar’s (Navin Chowdhry) wealth and businesses, alongside brother Nugget Gulati (Juhaim Rasul Choudhry).
She was also brought into the show as the secret daughter of Ravi, and viewers have been able to see their relationship develop over the past year.
How old is Aaliyah James?
While Avani is just 15-years-old, actress Aaliyah is actually 24, having celebrated her birthday in June.
The actress joked about the age gap between herself and her character in a birthday post on Instagram.
‘Guys… I’m now 15.. i mean 24 years old.’ She joked.
Her EastEnders co-stars were quick to send her some birthday love, with Suki Panesar actress Balvinder Sopal writing: ‘Happy birthday baby.’
‘Earth day blessings fam,’ Aaron Thiara wrote, while Emma Barton, who plays Honey Mitchell said: ‘Happy Birthday.’