Sophie Khan Levy AKA Priya Nandra-Hart Exits EastEnders

So this happened today. Sophie AKA Priya has left the Square for good. Abruptly. A jolt to the system. Yes, as I mentioned in a previous post, she was no longer dressing as her sassy little self, and yesterday I finally clocked that she was really expecting. But not that she was leaving the show for good.

I can't say I am not depleted. She was one of the very few characters that brought an exuberance and joie de vivre to the screen. She just has the it factor and she is very lucky to have that shine through on the screen in every scene. I could list a long set of everything that made Priya, brilliantly portrayed by the beautiful Sophie, a joy to watch, but it's pointless and we are collectively deflated.

Yes, I am grateful we have Sharon, Kathy, Denise, Jack, Max, Ian, and most of all, Phil, the OGs, but Priya brought something to our screens that most new unestablished actors on EastEnders just can't. She sparkled, she was luminous and she radiated light. Now I see why a recast of Ash was quickly ushered in, as a replacement. One in, one out. But there will be no way to replace Sophie Khan-Levy.

It's not a short leave or a break. It's an exit. And it is completely understandable why she is leaving, but she is also leaving a giant hole in the Square.