"There's a lot coming up for him."
Since 2019, Shiv Jalota has played Vinny Panesar in the BBC’s EastEnders.
He was introduced as the youngest son of Suki Panesar-Unwin (Balvinder Sopal) and Nish Panesar (Navin Chowdhry).
Vinny is also the brother of Kheerat Panesar (Jaz Singh Deol), Ashneet ‘Ash’ Panesar (Gurlaine Kaur Garcha), and Jagvir ‘Jags’ Panesar (Amar Adatia).
However, since Ash departed from the show in 2023, Vinny has been the only Panesar child in EastEnders.
The character has arguably seen a relatively quiet time on the show in recent months.
That is all set to change as Shiv teased a “beautiful” new storyline for Vinny.
While speaking at the 2025 National Television Awards, Shiv revealed: “There’s some exciting stuff for Vinny.
“I’ve been there for six years. I’ve been very fortunate.
“Ben Wadey [Executive Producer] has given me a beautiful storyline that I can’t give away.
“It’s gonna cause a lot of drama with Suki and the Panesars.
“It’s exciting. Come November, there’s a lot of stuff for Vinny.
“He’s the only Panesar left. For him, there’s a lot at stake in what he’s been through.
“He has a lot going on. With Ben at the moment, he’s developing that.
“There’s a lot coming up for him. Maybe a partner, let’s see.”
Since Vinny arrived in the Square, his notable storylines have included a relationship with Dotty Cotton (Milly Zero) and his struggle to prove himself to his family.
In 2021, Vinny was devastated when his brother Jags was killed in prison.
An innocent Jags found himself behind bars for attacking Martin Fowler (James Bye) – a crime that was actually committed by Vinny.
Vinny was also initially horrified to discover that her mother was having a lesbian affair with Eve Panesar-Unwin (Heather Peace).
However, he later gave them his blessings.
In January 2025, Suki and Eve’s marriage marked the first lesbian wedding in EastEnders.
Meanwhile, EastEnders won big at the 2025 National Television Awards, which aired on ITV on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.
For his portrayal of Phil Mitchell in the character’s mental health storyline, Steve McFadden won ‘Best Serial Drama Performance’.
This marked Steve’s first-ever NTA award.
The show also scooped up the gong for ‘Best Serial Drama’.
It is currently exploring the aftermath of Zoe Slater’s (Michelle Ryan) return and her secret history with Max Branning (Jake Wood).
EastEnders continues on Monday, September 15, 2025, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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