EastEnders newcomer Aaliyah James is stealing the spotlight as Avani Nandra-Hart and viewers can expect to be on the edge of their seats with her latest plot twist. The character first hit screens in 2023 and was introduced as Ravi Gulati's (played by Aaron Thiara) secret daughter. However, drama unfolds this week when she finds herself on the wrong side of the law. Avani lands in hot water after bunking off school with Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd) and Lily Slater (Lillia Turner), leading to an encounter with shady Marvin and his stash of illegal substances. When the police come around, they spot Marvin's dropped drugs, spiralling into an interrogation at the station. An anxious moment arrives for Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) and Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) who dash to pick up their kids, while there's no one available to support Avani. The situation escalates when a strip search is suggested, leaving her feeling vulnerable. Unable to face going home to dad Ravi's place after the ordeal, a distressed Avani escapes to the playground for some solace with a bottle of vodka. Her family's concern peaks when she goes missing, only to be found later unconscious in the playground, reports Plymouth Live. Off-screen, actress Aaliyah James, actually 24, brings some levity to her role's predicament with a cheeky birthday nod to the age difference with her character. She took to Instagram with a humorous post, quipping: "Guys... I'm now 15.. I mean 24 years old." Landing her first major acting gig, Aaliyah has joined the cast of EastEnders. Before this breakthrough, she appeared as a train passenger in the BBC One crime drama Inside Man in 2022, which starred David Tennant, Dolly Wells, and Stanley Tucci. Reflecting on her new role in the iconic soap, Aaliyah expressed her gratitude: "To be given this opportunity as my official debut to screen is a true blessing." She also shared her appreciation for the warm welcome she's received, saying, "I have found home in the supportiveness of the cast and crew and I'm very thankful to feel a part of the EastEnders family already." Aaliyah is eager to explore her character Avani's journey in Walford and is looking forward to what lies ahead, both for her character and herself: "I can't wait to bring Avani to life and to walk her path in Walford, and I'm excited to see what the universe has planned for my own future." EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 6am