EastEnders' Nish actor Navin Chowdhry's heartbreaking tribute to wife amidst breast cancer battle
EastEnders' Nish Panesar actor, Navin Chowdhury, has been sharing heartfelt messages of support for his wife Charlie as she bravely battles cancer.
Away from the screen, Navin's life is worlds away from his television persona. His wife Charlie of 12 years underwent surgery for breast cancer in February 2023, following her diagnosis in 2020, with the actor regularly sharing updates of her progress to Instagram.
Earlier this year, Navin, 53, took a moment to applaud his wife's bravery amid her battle with cancer. "My wife was diagnosed with triple-positive breast cancer back in the summer of 2020, and like so many of you out there, it just opens a door to a world you hope you never see," he started.
Navin also expressed his admiration for his wife and others battling cancer, saying: "To my wife and to all of you cancer warriors out there, I am just totally in awe of the strength that you have within yourselves. You are an inspiration and you all are just extraordinary."
And, in October 2023, Navin recalled his wife's chemotherapy journey, sharing a photo of a mug stamped 'Straight Outta Chemo'. He wrote: "2 years ago. Mrs C lifted the cup! All my love to all the cancer warriors out there. Cancer awareness does not end in October."
Navin, who joined EastEnders as Nish in 2022, has a very different on-screen life. He first appeared towards the end of his character's 20-year prison sentence for murder. After manipulating his on-screen wife Suki into a reconciliation on his release, she had an affair with Eve Unwin, prompting Nish to attempt to kill once more.
In dramatic scenes over the Christmas period, Nish was bashed over the head by Denise Fox after he tried to drag Suki out of the pub. He ended up unconscious, but things took a harrowing turn when Keanu Taylor rocked up and nearly killed his wife Sharon Watts.
Then in a shock twist, Sharon's best mate Linda Knight stabbed Keanu. Suki, Sharon, Linda and Denise along with Stacey Slater and Kathy Beale were famously dubbed 'The Six' in a storyline that saw Keanu's murder covered up. With the ladies on edge, Nish woke up from a coma following his attack and headed back to Albert Square determined to unveil the truth.
Next week, Suki and Eve are rattled when Nish turns up on the doorstep of No. 41, saying that the solicitor has sent both copies of their final order divorce paperwork to him. The Panesars agree to change the locks so Nish can't gain access, but he manipulates Avani into getting him inside.
Suki, Ravi, Eve and Vinny are hostile as Nish starts talking, but he silences them as he tells them he’s dying. The Panesars accuse Nish of lying and kick him out, as he insists that he's telling the truth. Nish finds Priya later and tries to convince her, but Ravi intervenes and orders him to stay away.
Nish eventually catches up with Nugget at McKlunky's and begs him to hear him out. Ravi spots them and angry he shoves Nish, who falls and is rushed to hospital. Is this the end for Nish?
