Who are the new Ahmed sisters joining EastEnders in 2019, who plays them and how are they related to Masood?
The Ahmed family is about to extend with the arrival of glam sisters Iqra and Habiba
EASTENDERS announced that two new members of the Ahmed family would be heading to Walford in 2019.
Sisters Iqra and Habiba will be arriving shortly. Here’s everything you need to know about them…
Who are Iqra and Habiba, the new sisters joining EastEnders?
Newly announced characters Iqra and Habiba Ahmed are the granddaughters of established characters Mariam and Arshad Ahmed.
Mariam and Arshad arrived in 2018 and were introduced as the aunt and uncle of returning character Masood.
Iqra and Habiba are the nieces of Masood.
When their arrival was officially announced in December 2018, a BBC spokesperson said: “As soon as they arrive in Walford they are quick to spin their Uncle Masood a lie about why they’re there but as the girls settle into life at number 41 it soon becomes clear their arrival may not be all as it seems…" Intriguing.
Who plays Iqra and Habiba in EastEnders?
Iqra will be played by TV newcomer Priya Davdra.
Speaking about her first television role, Priya said: "EastEnders was such a big part of my life growing up and I couldn’t be more excited to be joining the show.
"Walking on to the set for the first time was such an amazing experience.
"I can’t wait for viewers to meet the sisters and see how much drama they’re going to cause."
Habiba is played by actress Rukku Nahar and soap fans will already know her as Asha Kaur from Hollyoaks.
Asha was Neeta Kaur’s sister and girlfriend of Hunter McQueen.
Rukku starred in the C4 soap from 30th July until 3rd October 2018.
She has also had roles in Casualty and Wolf Blood.
Speaking of her new role, Rukku shared: "I’m so excited to have joined EastEnders, it’s a show I’ve grown up watching and stepping onto Albert Square is just unreal!
"Habiba is great fun to play and I’m so happy to be working alongside Priya. Can’t wait for you all to see what we get up to on the Square."
More on EastEnders
What happens when Iqra and Habiba arrive in Albert Square?
Iqra and Habiba are set to add some girl power to Albert Square, with the born and bred East End girls dubbed "a forced to be reckoned with".
The pair will lie to Masood about what brings them to his home, with the former postman soon learning that their arrival might not be all as it seems.
Iqra, played by Priya Davdra, is the oldest of the sisters, and has been described as "no-nonsense, bold and intelligent".
Bosses have teased that she has arrived in the E20 with a "clear goal" - soon learning that life in Walford is never simple.
The soap's executive producer, Kate Oates added: "The sisters are certainly going to be a force to be reckoned with.
"Their arrival will throw number 41 into chaos as they become a nightmare for Mariam and Arshad.
"Residents of Walford beware, take on one of the sisters and you take on the pair."