'EastEnders' Tamwar actor cried "real tears" in Afia exit scene

Published May 29 2012, 12:51 BST  |  By Paul Millar

EastEnders star Himesh Patel has confessed that his last scene with his on-screen wife was emotionally challenging.

The Tamwar Masood actor admitted that he wishes Meryl Fernandes's character Afia was not being written out of the BBC soap.



"Tamwar and Afia were made for each other, and I wanted them to stay together forever," he told Inside Soap.

"As a couple, they were unique. Nobody thought Tamwar would ever find anyone, but he and Afia had a real kookiness together."

Regarding the future, Patel insisted the "door has been left open", outlining his desire for Afia to return to Albert Square at some point.

"The door has been left open, though, so there might be a chance for Afia to come back at some point. I really hope she will!" he said.

Meanwhile, the 21-year-old revealed that he and Fernandes are delighted with their final scene, adding: "We got the scene rescheduled so it was the very last one Meryl and I filmed together.



"We knew it would be emotional, and we wanted to use that. When you see it, those are real tears I'm crying! But we're really proud of it - Afia is sent off in style.

"Meryl's one of the best friends I've ever made. She's already keeping an eye on me, making sure I'm okay. I'm really lucky to have worked with her."

EastEnders bosses confirmed Fernandes's departure last week, with Afia set to make her Walford exit next month.