Himesh Patel (EastEnders' Tamwar) interview

After 3 years in Albert Square, unlucky-in-love Tamwar Masood looks set to finally get a girlfriend this month in EastEnders.

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LastBroadcast caught up with actor Himesh Patel to find out more...


It’s now 3 years since you joined the show, what have been your favourite storylines?

“I think the stand-up comedy storyline and the aftermath of Syed coming out. They’re different ends of the spectrum, but both were equally challenging to film. Also, the storyline coming soon, with Afia’s return, is a very strong start to what I hope will be a fantastic story.”

The character of Tamwar really came into his own this year with his supportive attitude to Syed, after Zainab and Masood rejected him. What sort of reaction have you had from the public over Tamwar’s involvement in the Syed/Christian storyline?

“As soon as the episode aired, I had people saying that Tamwar’s response was the only normal, logical response to Syed’s coming out. Now Tamwar is the only family member Syed has left, so I think the audience gained a lot of respect for Tamwar for what he did and is doing.”

Tamwar is always seen to be nice and sensible - would you like to one day explore a darker side to Tamwar and see him go off the rails a bit?

“I’ve always spoken about how it would be interesting to see that side of Tamwar - however, I also have to bear in mind whether it makes sense to do that or not. I think Tamwar would really have to be pushed to a certain point, because he’s quite numb now, after everything that’s happened to him recently. I suppose if someone pushes all the right buttons...”

It’s now 2 years since Shabnam Masood left - would you like to see the character return?

“I’d love, more than anything, for Shabnam to return to Walford, even if just for one episode! Not only because Zahra [Ahmadi, who played Shabnam] is like a sister to me, but also because it would be genuinely interesting to see her return to a family that’s so drastically different to the one she left behind. Again, it all depends on what makes sense for the storylines.”

The 'Martial Law’ clip on YouTube, where you give Thomas Law a kung fu lesson, looks like it was great fun to film - who came up with the idea for that? Would you like Tamwar to have more comedy scenes with Peter Beale on the show?

“We were approached by the EastEnders website team with the idea, and they asked me to write a first draft of a script. I wrote the script, sent it off, they edited it accordingly and we just went in and spent a day having a laugh. Initially, Tom and I were worried that it was a little over the top for our acting styles, but the editing was fantastic.

“I think Tamwar’s scenes with Peter have always been quite funny, but with a heart. Tamwar is usually helping Peter out, so it showcases Tamwar’s selfless side. I wouldn’t say no to more scenes, because Tom is one of my best friends and it’s always fun working with him.”

Can you give us any hints about what’s coming up for Tamwar?

“Tamwar’s going to be getting a girlfriend very soon, so that’s going to be very fun - whilst it lasts.”

Do you think he would’ve made another move on Amira by now if she was still around?

“Tamwar and Amira came to an understanding after all they went through and I think Tamwar definitely gained another sister.”

If Tamwar’s still around in the Square in another 3 years, what can you imagine him doing by then?

“It all depends how things pan out for him. He’ll either be the happiest man in Walford or the most depressed. We’ll have to wait and see.”

Last film you saw at the cinema:

“Burke & Hare - it was great fun, but nothing special. I’m a huge Andy Serkis fan and a huge Simon Pegg fan, so this was a fantastic casting decision in my eyes.”

Last album you bought:

“'Tourist History' by Two Door Cinema Club. I chanced upon them at Glastonbury this year, loved their sound. This album is sublime - just makes you want to dance non-stop.”

Last TV show boxset you watched:

“Charlie G Hawkins [who plays Darren Miller] and I are best friends and he’s currently educating me in films and TV. He got me addicted to Entourage, now he’s lent me Season 1 of Dexter - I’ve only seen Episode 1 so far, but it was brilliant.”


Interviewed on 10th November 2010 by Will Martin.

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