"You've all been incredible."
Sophie Khan Levy has confirmed her exit from the BBC’s EastEnders. In 2023, the actress joined the soap as Priya Nandra-Hart.
Priya was introduced to Walford as the long-lost mother of Davinder ‘Nugget’ Gulati (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury).
She was the ex-partner of Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara). Priya brought along with her her and Ravi’s secret daughter, Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James).
Despite some initial problems, Ravi and Priya formed a strong family unit, co-parenting their children.
When Ravi’s relationship with Denise Fox (Diane Parish) broke down, he and Priya began a new romance.
Everything fell apart when Ravi was admitted to a unit to improve his mental health.
When he returned, he abandoned Priya and their children after sleeping with her.
In Ravi’s absence, Priya began an affair with Max Branning (Jake Wood), who in turn cheated on his fiancee, Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins), with Priya.
Soon after Max and Cindy married, the affair was revealed in true EastEnders fashion, that saw Max suffer a heart attack.
Meanwhile, Ravi was overjoyed when Priya accepted his marriage proposal and informed him she was pregnant.
While at first, Ravi believed that the child was his, Priya was burdened with guilt, as her unborn child is actually fathered by Max.
Her problems increased when Cindy discovered the truth and threatened Priya to leave.
In the episode broadcast on September 22, 2026, Ravi was devastated when Priya finally admitted that he was not the father of her baby.
Although Ravi stormed off, his half-brother Vinny Panesar (Shiv Jalota) gave him a pep talk.
Buoyed by Vinny’s words, Ravi returned home and found Priya packing.
The pair had a heart-to-heart, where Priya told him that she could not risk Max finding out the truth.
She informed her fiancee that she was going to Leeds and convinced him and her children not to accompany her, promising she would return soon.
As Ravi and Priya shared some final words outside, they declared their love for each other.
Priya also had the last laugh when she informed Cindy’s son, Peter Beale (Thomas Law), that his wife, Lauren Beale (Jacqueline Jossa), knew about her affair with Max before he married Cindy.
After she rebuffed Ravi’s last attempt to get her to stay, Priya got in the iconic black cab, leaving a heartbroken Ravi on the road.
While some viewers believed that Sophie’s exit was temporary, EastEnders confirmed that Sophie’s scenes in this episode were indeed her final ones.
On the show’s social media handles, fans watched a clip of the cast and crew gathering to say goodbye to Sophie.
Executive Producer, Ben Wadey, said: “Sophie, we want to say a massive thank you on behalf of everyone at EastEnders for an extraordinary few years.
“It’s a really hard thing to come in and put on the shoes of a new character in the show, and instantly become an icon.
“You’ve led so many amazing stories, had brilliant, unlikely partnerships, with people like Martin, Ian, and Jean most recently.
“I’ve been enjoying you actually driving Max Branning to have a heart attack, by stressing him out.
“You’ve been extraordinary, a delight to work with, and you’re going to be very, very missed.”
The video clip also confirmed Sophie’s real-life pregnancy.
Ben continued: “I don’t think it’s a big spoiler to say that you’re on to a probably more important adventure next.
“We wish you all the best, and thank you for being so brilliant.”
Sophie said: “This has been an incredible three years. You feel like family.
“I can’t believe I have to leave, but I do, because there’s something coming imminently.
“Hopefully, I get a bit of time, but you are all a joy.
“You make working such a dream, and I’m going to be so sad. But, I love you all.”
“You’ve all been incredible, and I’m really happy to be a part of it.”
Addressing the camera, Sophie added: “I just wanted to say a massive thank you to all of the fans and the viewers of the show.
“I’ve been so proud and happy to be a part of this family for three years.
“Thank you for having me. Watch this space. Who knows if Priya will make a return?”
Sophie then showed her pregnancy bump and said: “Wish me luck!”
Sophie Levy Khan’s final day on EastEnders was an emotional one. From the moment she arrived, Priya has been an unforgettable character and leaves behind a Walford legacy to be proud of.
We’re not crying, you are. #EastEnders pic.twitter.com/utDrxTEXdW— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) September 22, 2026
Priya Nandra-Hart has been involved in key storylines of the show, including her fake romance with Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt), feuding with Suki Panesar-Unwin (Balvinder Sopal), and getting betrayed by Nish Panesar (Navin Chowdhry).
Sophie Khan Levy is the daughter of Shaheen Khan, who starred in the cult classic, Bend It Like Beckham (2002).
Viewers reacted negatively to the news of Sophie’s exit.
One fan said: “I assumed it was just temporary. If not, that’s the worst decision ever.
“She’s absolutely brilliant and will be a huge miss for viewers.”
Another added: “I really hope Sophie returns after her maternity leave – she’s such a great actress and Priya is a brilliant character.”
Meanwhile, EastEnders continues on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
