EastEnders starlet, Preeya Kalidas, who plays Amira Shah, is to quit her role on the popular BBC soap after almost a year. The 28 year-old actress, who has previously appeared in hits such as East is East, Bend It Like Beckham and as the female lead in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s production Bombay Dreams, has announced she will concentrate on her music career

Preeya’s character recently wed Syed Masood in a Muslim ceremony whilst he was embroiled in a secret gay affair. It’s proved to be one of the most controversial and high-profile ethnic minority plots to ever hit the successful show, which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary. The plot line follows criticism that the shows writers had not previously provided rounded and authentic depictions of ethnic minorities.

Keeping in mind the high profile of her character, Kalidas has agreed to stay until the summer, sparking rumours of an explosive exit. The soap’s writers are keeping tight-lipped as to whether her character will leave with her husband or flee Walford after shock revelations of his sexuality...

Already hard at work on her first single Preeya’s debut album is due for release this summer.