Nish Panesar was a classic soap villain – here’s what EastEnders needs to do to fill the void after his b.l.o.o.d.y d.e.a.t.h
Nish Panesar brought intensity and drama to EastEnders, filling the role of a quintessential soap villain
NISH Panesar’s demise leaves a void in Walford that the soap will need to fill with another equally captivating character.
The streets of Walford have been left quieter – and a lot less menacing – after Nish Panesar’s explosive exit in EastEnders on New Years Day.
His death marked the end of an era for one of the soap’s most formidable villains, a character who manipulated, schemed, and terrorised his way into EastEnders history.
Nish’s charm and ruthlessness gave the Panesar family a fearsome edge.
From his calculated control over Suki to his sinister dealings with rivals, Nish commanded the screen with an intensity that made every scene with him must-watch TV.
But now that Nish is gone, the big question looms: who will step up to fill the power vacuum?
NISH’S ARRIVAL
Nish’s on-screen debut was perhaps the most-anticipated for a villain on the BBC soap.
After the arrival of the Panesar family in 2019, viewers were left wondering where the patriarch of the family was.
His killer backstory was revealed that he was in prison for murder after he k.i.l.l.e.d a man he thought his wife Suki was having an affair with.
This indicated to viewers that he was an angry and dangerous man from the start.
From then, each member of the family would mention Nish, giving further insight into his character and his twisted relationships with his wife and kids.
His memorable debut in 2022 lived up to the high expectations of being a controlling, manipulative and volatile figure, who continues to cast a shadow over his family.
Nish made his name known as he quickly made enemies in Walford, including Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) and other local power players, asserting his ambitions and willingness to cross anyone in his way.
During his time on the square, Nish caused chaos everywhere he went.
In a twist, the soap revealed Nish had another family, which introduced new characters Ravi, his ex-girlfriend Priya their kids Nugget and Avani, as they became a blended family with the Panesars.
Nish’s possessiveness and distrust of Suki led to a tense dynamic, especially as Suki (Balvinder Sopal) sought independence.
Their toxic marriage became a central theme in his arc that kept viewers gripped.
NISH’S EXIT
Viewers saw evil Nish poison Eve’s (Heather Peace) glass of champagne as the newlyweds celebrated.
He planned to poison himself and Suki too, until Ravi broke in.
Nish revealed to Ravi that he hurt Denise (Diane Parish), knowing that he will lash out and push him over the balcony.
But Suki came crashing to the ground with him, after he wrapped his hand around her gown.
The next episode revealed that Denise, Suki and Eve are alive as they recover in hospital and comprehend what Nish did to them.
Eve told Suki: “We’re free of him now, do you understand me? He’s dead, he can never hurt us again.”
Finding the words to speak, Suki replied: “We win.”
Nish’s remains were placed into a body bag, marking the end of his reign of terror over his family and the Walford community.
His demise leaves not just a gap in the Panesar clan but in the very fabric of Albert Square.
To fill this void, EastEnders needs a villain who’s multi-dimensional – someone viewers love to hate but can’t take their eyes off.
Whether it’s a returning legend like Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks) plotting her next move or a fresh face ready to shake up the square, the new antagonist must bring drama, unpredictability, and layers of complexity.
The soap thrives on its larger-than-life baddies, and without one, the show risks losing its edge.
Let’s hope the EastEnders writers are already cooking up their next villainous masterpiece because Walford just isn’t the same without someone pulling the strings from the shadows.
PREVIOUS VILLAINS
Another previous soap villain that captured viewers’ attention and left a lasting impression was Archie Mitchell (Larry Lamb).
He was a classic soap patriarch with a sinister edge. Manipulative and controlling, he wreaked havoc on the Mitchell family, especially his daughters Ronnie and Roxy.
His murder on Christmas Day 2009, at the hands of Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner), was one of the soap’s most shocking and memorable episodes.
Smooth-talking but deadly, Steve Owen (Martin Kemp) was a villain who combined charm with a dangerous streak.
His calm demeanor masked his capacity for violence, as seen in the d.e.a.t.h of Saskia Duncan.
Steve’s complex character made him a fascinating addition to Albert Square.
Nick Cotton (John Altman) was the original EastEnders bad boy, whose deceit and criminal behavior earned him the nickname “Nasty Nick.”
From his attempted murder of his mother, Dot, to countless scams and betrayals, Nick’s villainy spanned decades, making him a quintessential soap antagonist.
And “Dirty Den” (Leslie Grantham) was a classic soap villain and smooth operator.
His ability to charm while scheming against friends and foes alike earned him legendary status in EastEnders.
Who will be the next big bad villain?
