Davood Ghadami has praised the impact Nitin Ganatra had on his early ‘EastEnders’ days.
The soap star – who first appeared as Kush Kazemi in 2014 – has revealed how the Albert Square veteran helped him settle into life on set, and made it "a joy" to go to work.
Wishing Nitin a "Happy Birthday" just days after his final scenes aired, Davood tweeted: "When I started at @bbceastenders someone who I loved to watch on screen took me under his wing and helped make every working day a joy.
"Happy Birthday @GanatraNitin and thank you"
The message on Thursday (21.02.19) came just two days after Nitin appeared in his last episode as Masood Ahmed – a part he has played on the BBC soap since 2007 – after recently confirming his plans to move to another stage of his career.
And it seems his former cast mates are already finding it tough without him, after co-star Tamzin Outhwaite sent a simple message of support after his last episode.
She wrote: "Missing you already @GanatraNitin"
Nitin initially left the show in 2016, before making rare appearances the following year and eventually making a full comeback in 2018.
Speaking about his decision to leave a second time, he previously said: "When I was asked to return to EastEnders it was always with the intention of helping set up new Asian characters that continue the Masood family adventures.
"With Arshad and Mariam at the helm and with the arrival of the feisty sister Iqra and Habiba I can now venture off to new horizons as an actor.
"I am still deeply attached to Masood and have invested much emotion into making this character memorable.
"I am in awe of how loved he is by audiences and fans of all ages, from all cultures and religions and walks with of life. Thank you. I am humbled by the love."