When last weeks announcement came that Zahra Amadhi was leaving Eastenders, I assumed that BBC bosses may get rid of the rest of the family at the same time. However news has emerged that writers for the show have planned some big storylines for the family and that they will feature heavily in the show for months to come.

John Yorke, Controller of Drama at the BBC, and former EastEnders Executive Producer, talked about the family at the Media Guardian ethnic media summit.

He said: “The Masood family are developing slowly in Albert Square and I’m proud of the way the audience has warmed to them.”

The show’s BBC website added: “Mouthy matriarch Zainab, her level-headed husband Masood, plus brainiac son Tamwar will all have key roles to play in the future of Walford.

“Yorke has hinted that their combined entrepreneurial talents could ring some extreme changes in the Square’s delicate power balance.”