Avani makes Life-Changing Decision in EastEnders

It has been a tough and confusing time for Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James) in BBC’s EastEnders.

Recent episodes of the show revealed that Avani was pregnant with Joel Marshall’s (Max Murray) child.

Although Avani only wanted to confide in Barney Mitchell (Lewis Bridgeman), Suki Panesar-Unwin (Balvinder Sopal) saw her looking at family planning websites. 

This forced the teenager to come clean, as well as shocking Suki by telling her she intended to abort the baby.

Within Suki’s backstory, EastEnders viewers were told that Suki had a troubled relationship with her daughter Ashneet ‘Ash’ Panesar (Gurlaine Kaur Garcha) due to the latter having an abortion.

Suki desperately tried to change Avani’s mind, even offering to raise the child herself with her wife Eve Panesar-Unwin (Heather Peace).

An aghast Avani raged at Suki for interfering.

In the episode broadcast on July 28, 2025, Avani told Suki: “You only want this baby to make up for losing all your own children.

“You’re not thinking about what’s best for me. You’re only thinking about yourself and you’re not used to hearing no for an answer.”

Avani then announced that she had made an appointment at the abortion clinic.

In the early iPlayer release on Tuesday, July 29, Suki pressured Barney into telling her the whereabouts of Avani’s appointment.

At the clinic, Suki told Avani: “If I had offered Ashneet the same thing I am you, she’d have taken it.

“And I wouldn’t have lost a grandchild and a daughter as well.”

Avani responded: “So that’s what this is about then? You wanting to fix history?”

Suki admitted: “At first, maybe, But you know, the more I think about it, me and Eve having a baby, a new start after everything we’ve been through.

“We’d be great parents, and we deserve it. I think Eve will come round.”

Suki then stunned Avani and offered to help the latter financially, in an arrangement similar to surrogacy.

Later on in the episode, Suki seemed to relent and said: “You know what, Avani, I think you need to do what’s right for you.”

The nurse then came and told Avani that they were ready to see her.

However, Avani, with a sheen of nerves clouded over her face, replied: “I’m sorry, but I think I’ve changed my mind.”

Turning to Suki, Avani declared: “You can have my baby.”

However, is this really the right decision and will Avani regret having her baby and then giving it to Suki?

Regular viewers know that Avani’s parents, Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) and Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan Levy) are clueless about what’s happening with Avani.

Eve is also unaware about what her wife is planning. 

One thing is certain: when they do find out, the outcome will be nothing short of dramatic.

Elsewhere in EastEnders, the show is currently gearing up for the returns of fan favourites Max Branning (Jake Wood) and Anthony Trueman (Nicholas Bailey).

The audience can watch the episode of Avani’s decision now on BBC iPlayer, while the instalment airs on BBC One on July 29 at 7.30 pm.

EastEnders continues on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.