Aaliyah James
Aaliyah James is an English actress, known for portraying the role of Avani Nandra-Hart on the BBC soap opera EastEnders since 2023.
Life and career
Aaliyah Laiqah James was born on 26 June 2000 in Greenwich, London, and was named after American singer and actress Aaliyah. She studied drama for her GCSEs and was involved in productions with Old Vic New Voices and the Age Exchange Company. In 2022, James made her television debut when she appeared in the BBC One crime drama Inside Man, portraying a train passenger in the programme's first episode.In October 2023, James joined the cast of the BBC soap opera EastEnders as Avani Nandra-Hart. Her character is introduced alongside mother Priya Nandra-Hart as the secret daughter of Ravi Gulati and sister of Davinder "Nugget" Gulati. Her storylines have included her reconciliation with her long-lost father, as well as her involvement in an underage relationship.