Navin Chowdhury, who plays EastEnders villain Nish Panesar, shared a glowing tribute to his wife Charlie and others suffering from cancer, describing them as ‘warriors’
EastEnders star Navin Chowdhury has been very vocal in his support for his wife Charlie in recent times over her battle with cancer.
Navin, who joined the BBC soap as Nish Pansear in 2022, first appeared towards the end of his character’s 20-year prison sentence for murder. After manipulating his on-screen wife Suki into a reconciliation on his release, she had an affair with Eve Unwin, prompting Nish to attempt to kill once more.
In dramatic scenes over the Christmas period, meanwhile, Nish was bashed over the head by Denise Fox after he tried to drag Suki out of the pub. He ended up unconscious, but things took a harrowing turn when Keanu Taylor rocked up and nearly killed his wife Sharon Watts. Then in a shock twist in self-defence, Sharon’s best mate Linda Knight stabbed Keanu.
Suki, Sharon, Linda and Denise along with Stacey Slater and Kathy Beale were famously dubbed ‘The Six’ in a storyline that saw Keanu’s murder covered up. With the ladies on edge, Nish woke up from a coma following his attack and headed back to Albert Square determined to unveil the truth.
Away from the screen Navin’s life is worlds away from his television persona, but no less dramatic. For his spouse of 12 years Charlie underwent surgery for breast cancer in February 2023 following her diagnosis in 2020, with the actor regularly sharing updates of her progress to Instagram.
Following her operation 53-year old Navin took the time to praise his “warrior” spouse and all those others going through similar ordeals. “My wife was diagnosed with triple-positive breast cancer back in the summer of 2020, and like so many of you out there, it just opens a door to a world you hope you never see,” he began.
“Being sat here now, during the surgery, it just hits home, the bravery and courage and heart and soul and spirit of all you cancer warriors out there, and just how profoundly moving your resilience and the fight that you have within you to take this battle on.”
Doting husband Navin added: “To my wife and to all of you cancer warriors out there, I am just totally in awe of the strength that you have within yourselves. You are an inspiration and you all are just extraordinary.”
In October 2023, meanwhile, Navin reflected on Charlie’s chemotherapy sessions as he posted an image of a mug emblazoned with ‘Straight Outta Chemo’, which also coincided with Breast Cancer Awareness month. “2 years ago,” he wrote. “Mrs C lifted the cup! All my love to all the cancer warriors out there. Cancer awareness does not end in October.”
