SHOCKING NEWS!! EastEnders star reveals depression battle hit him like ‘a slap in the face’ and triggered childhood trauma

ONE of the stars of EastEnders has opened up on his behind-the-scenes depression battle.

Nitin Ganatra previously played Masood Ahmed on the long-running BBC serial drama between 2007 and 2019.

Sign up for the EastEnders newsletter

Nitin Ganatra previously played newsagent Masood Ahmed

Nitin Ganatra previously played newsagent Masood Ahmed

He starred in the BBC One serial drama from 2007 until 2019

He starred in the BBC One serial drama from 2007 until 2019

He has become a sensation online after he shared his artwork

He has become a sensation online after he shared his artwork

The 57-year-old actor has now revealed the toll the COVID-19 lockdown had on his mental health.

He admitted that the tough period triggered trauma from his childhood where he experienced racism and bullying.

Nitin explained how the depression he felt hit him “like a slap in the face”.

But the TV star turned to drawing and painting as a “coping strategy,” just like what he used to do when he was younger.

He explained: “It was an outpouring of work and stories and paintings and feelings and emotions. I would do a painting, finish it, put it in a box.

“But then I posted one on social media, and another and the reaction started to grow.

“And then suddenly it became a reality that I could possibly start being the person that I wanted to be. Going back to painting was like falling in love with the younger me again.”

Nitin also revealed that he always dreamed of being a painter, however that was soon put to bed as a teenager.

This was after an art dealer saw his portfolio of work as he was on the way to an interview for a university.

The actor admitted: “He said ‘you’re never going to make it’… It broke me, so I decided to become an actor instead.”

EastEnders’ Ian Beale and Masood Ahmed talk about Jane Beale after he invites her to their restaurant opening

He also hinted that he would be open to a return to EastEnders one day in the future if bosses approached him.

When asked if he would make a BBC One comeback, Nitin replied: “I get asked this every day, but not as far as I know.

“I haven’t had that phone call yet. But – never say never. I’ll take my canvas with me.”

Depression… the signs to look for and what to do

Depression can manifest in many ways.

We all feel a bit low from time to time.

But depression is persistent and can make a person feel helpless and unable to see a way through.

They may also struggle to about daily life.

Mind says these are some common signs of depression that you may experience:

If you feel this way, visit your GP who can help you.

If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support.

The following are free to contact and confidential:

YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline on 0808 802 5544 for parents or carers worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. The website has a chat option too.

Rethink Mental Illness, www.rethink.org, gives advice and information service offers practical advice on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, social care, welfare benefits, and carers rights. Use its website or call 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate).

The actor used to paint and draw as a child to cope with bullying and racism he faced

The actor used to paint and draw as a child to cope with bullying and racism he faced

Nitin admitted he would be open to a return to EastEnders

Nitin admitted he would be open to a return to EastEnders

Related articles

FAMOUS FACE EastEnders’ new Vicki Fowler has a very famous film star dad – but do you recognise him?

EASTENDERS’ new Vicki Fowler actress has a famous film star dad – but do you recognise him? Alice Haighas begun playing Vicki upon the character’s return to Albert…

MYSTERY UNVEILED!! EastEnders teases mystery arrival for Sonia Fowler in advanced spoilers

EastEnders has teased a “mystery arrival” for Sonia Fowler and Bianca Jackson later this month, in advanced spoilers. Last month, actors Natalie Cassidy and Patsy Palmer each revealed…

SHOCKING NEWS!!! EastEnders confirms another Vicki Fowler lie in early iPlayer release

EastEnders has confirmed that Vicki Fowler has told another lie, in the show’s latest episode. This week, Vicki returned to Walford from Australia, together with her new boyfriend Ross…

SHOCKING NEWS!! EastEnders fans spot soap’s secret Neighbours tribute

EastEnders fans have spotted a special, secret tribute to fellow soap Neighbours as part of April Fool’s Day. The BBC took part in the annual tradition by posting a video…

HOT NEWS!!! Who is Spencer Moon in EastEnders and what happened between him and Vicki?

Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) has made a grand return to Albert Square – but without her long-term partner Spencer Moon (Christopher Parker). The character has arrived back to her…

SHOCKING NEWS!!! EastEnders revisits huge mystery plot with surprise confession

EastEnders has revisited the big Cindy Beale mystery, as Kathy Beale made a major confession. In February, it was revealed that Kathy was the one who attacked Cindy with a shovel…