EastEnders fans gobsmacked as they realise teen Avani star Aaliyah James' real age
EastEnders actress Avani Nandra-Hart has recently been involved in a storyline where the 15-year-old starts dating an older boy. However, the plot leaves fans aghast after they discover the real age of actress Aaliyah James, who plays the teenage schoolgirl.
Despite playing a 15-year-old, Aaliyah actually turned 24 earlier this year. She revealed her age on an Instagram post on her birthday, even seeming to joke about the difference between her and Avani, saying, "Guys… I’m now 15... I mean, 24 years old." One fan replied, "WHAT???? I thought you were like 16!!!"
However, viewers have now uncovered a second real-life age shock after watching Avani's latest storyline.
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In the show, Avani has been seeing older lad Mason. While he wanted to take their relationship to the next level, it was clear that Avani wasn’t so sure. After Mason picked her up in his car, he found a quiet spot and began to get closer to Avani, but she decided she wanted to leave.
Mason labelled Avani a 'tease' before throwing her to the ground and causing her lip to burst.
The incident caused a lot of trouble in Walford. Avani had been pretending to be seeing fellow school pupil Barney Mitchell as a cover for spending time with Mason. So, when Priya's dad, Ravi, saw her injury, he exploded as any parent would. Blaming Barney, a feud soon erupted between the Panesars and the Mitchells.
But the battle gave viewers another surprise, as they worked out that the real-life age gap between Avani and her protective dad was only seven years.
While Aaliyah was born in June 2000, Ravi star Aaron Thiara was born in May 1993.
"Just found out that Ravi's actor and Avani’s actor are only 7 years apart in age # Eastenders,” said the fan who worked it out.
Soon, others were reacting to the age difference. “SHE'S TWENTY FOUR??" one exclaimed of Aaliyah’s age, while another aghast viewer added: "WHAT!!!"
One person said of Aaron’s real age, " I can't believe he's younger than me.”
Aaliyah arrived in EastEnders in 2023 as Avani. The role was her first TV part, and she was delighted to join the show. “To be given this opportunity as my official debut to screen is a true blessing," she said at the time. 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.”
Aaron joined a year earlier, playing the illegitimate son of Nish Panesar. “My heart is filled with immense gratitude to be joining such an iconic show, working alongside a stellar cast and a remarkable production team. It’s a very proud moment for me and my family,” he said.
