EastEnders star confirms old Suki returns – with unexpected outcome

Suki Panesar-Unwin (Balvinder Sopal) has certainly mellowed since her first appearance in EastEnders, thanks largely to her relationship with wife Eve Panesar-Unwin (Heather Peace).

However, actress Balvinder has warned that Suki’s old ways will return in upcoming scenes, as Suki and Eve face turmoil surrounding Ria’s adoption heaing.

Fostering Ria has given Suki and Eve the opportunity to expand their family and, for Suki, this has meant a second chance at motherhood.

Viewers will know that Suki has a complicated relationship with her children, especially the recently returned Ash (Sakira Vel).

‘The process has brought plenty of challenges and, as this is Walford, nothing is ever straightforward,’ Balvinder said of the fostering storyline.

‘It’s also forced Suki to confront her insecurities about motherhood as she carries guilt for her past mistakes as a parent,’ Balvinder reflected.

The next stage of Suki and Eve’s journey to adopt Ria involves an official hearing, but things don’t exactly go smoothly in the run up.

The day before the hearing, Suki secretly arranges for Ria to meet with her biological mother Harleen again, despite the fact that things don’t go to plan during their first meeting.

‘Suki was already sceptical about meeting Harleen and, unfortunately, her concerns proved justified. The situation added more pressure at a time when everyone was trying to put their best foot forward.

‘Suki feels guilty about what happened, and that guilt drives her actions this week. We see flashes of the old Suki emerge, but things don’t necessarily go the way she expects.’

It’s a bold move to invite Harleen to see Ria again, given that she witnesses Suki and Ash arguing the first time, but Balvinder pointed out that this is a testament to how much Suki has changed.

‘Suki is torn between protecting what she wants and doing what she believes is right. The old Suki would have focused solely on the outcome she wanted, but she’s changed. Her maternal instincts take over, and she recognises that Harleen deserves the chance to say goodbye.’

Following the meeting, Suki makes an impassioned plea at the hearing, but the next day Eve gives her the cold shoulder.

What will the outcome of the adoption hearing be?