EastEnders legend unrecognisable as he shows off ripped body – three years after soap exit
EastEnders and Holby City actor Davood Ghadami looked unrecognisable as he stripped down for a beach workout this week. The 41 year old, who played Kush Kazemi in the BBC soap, posted a collection of topless photos of himself performing pull-ups on the stunning Sarinoda beach in Greece.
In them, the actor showed off his incredibly toned body – the result of his hard work training to become a CrossFit trainer. Davood recently completed his Level 2 Trainer Certificate, allowing him to train other people in the popular fitness programme. And if his own results are anything to go by, he's likely to be popular.
Unlike his clean-shaven EastEnders character Kush, who made a grisly exit from the soap in April 2021 when he was pushed in front of a train by Gray Atkins, Davood sported an impressive full beard and a longer, shaggier haircut.
His fans were clearly impressed with his transformation, with one writing: "I am trying to think of something to say but cannot find the words. just simply, WOW," and another adding: "Look at that gorgeous bod, all beach and summer ready. You know how to make a girl swoon".
One of the 'likers' was Davood's former Strictly Come Dancing partner, Nadiya Bychkova, who danced with the actor in 2017 before being eliminated in the quarter-finals in week 11.
The Essex-born star has appeared in a number of popular television shows, including Doctors, Law and Order: UK and Silent Witness. Last year he also played the role of Ben Tyler in the first episode of the Death In Paradise spin-off, Beyond Paradise. After leaving EastEnders in scenes that aired two years ago, he signed on to play cardiologist Eli Ebrahimi in the now cancelled medical drama Holby City.
He also played Arun Chandar in Doctors, and writing on his Instagram recently after news broke that the daytime BBC show was being cancelled, Davood said: "I'm really saddened to hear that the decision has been taken to stop making this show. I remember working with the best people and learning so much. It was a great environment for the newcomer and experienced alike. I feel for the cast, crew and the many fans. I hope theres something similar from the @bbc on the horizon..."
He was also part of the cast for Holby City's final episodes, which aired in March last year. While he'd only been on the show for around a year, the actor was clearly moved to be part of the iconic show's final scenes.
Writing on his social media about the last day on set, he said: "Tough one today. Holby City is such a wonderful place to be and I am not ready to say goodbye. I will miss all the cast and crew who I feel like I have just started to get to know. I will miss playing Eli who is a gift of a character to play."
