Masood divorces Zainab – Eastenders

I have to say I was left reeling by last nights Episode of Eastenders. It left me emotional, stunned and absolutely shocked.

Masood divorced Zainab.

Masood, played by Nitin Ganatra, makes the heart-wrenching decision after hearing that Zainab has taken an overdose of pills. Both are unaware that scheming doctor Yusef Khan (Ace Bhatti) secretly crushed the tablets into her food.

The scenes in question see Masood pay a visit to the family home and leave Zainab stunned by saying the word “talaq” – meaning “I divorce you” – three times in accordance with Islamic culture. Masood does so as he believes that Zainab needs a fresh start without him.

It was done with such depth and meaning that it almost felt so real, my eyes watered and my heart stopped beating on the realization of what he was about to do.

It’s the first time I’ve watched an islamic divorce take place on British T.V and boy did they do it well.

Nina Wadhia is an amazing actress. I’ve always said to family and friends that the chemistry between her and her on screen son  Syed is just amazing.  Today I say that her chemistry with her on screen husband is just as good.

The body language was amazing, they way they were intimate for a moment touching each other and just feeling the moment then Masood drops the bombshell, then the tears from Zainab as she realises what he is about to do. The way she recoils from him as he breaks her heart and leaves her vulnerable and broken. No longer his wife and he no longer her husband.. but now a stranger he her gher mehram. Just fabulous.

I’m convinced he acted in haste and know he is going to regret this. At some point the truth will come out and let’s see what happens then… as there is a long road to travel if they want to get back together again. It’s not as easy at it seems… they have their religion to deal with too… their biggest obstacle.

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