EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal on Suki's feelings for Honey

Balvinder Sopal has opened up about her EastEnders character Suki Panesar's feelings for Honey Mitchell.

The two have grown especially close in recent episodes, as Honey has become an unexpected support for Suki following the murder of her son Jags in prison.

Cast member Balvinder Sopal has now opened up about the ways Suki's friendship with Honey has changed her outlook.

eastenders, honey mitchell, suki panesar

BBC

A new look at Honey and Suki

"I think it's really nice to have a friend to bounce off like that," she said. "It's been really nice to play a different side to this ice queen.

"She is awkward as well, I think the painting class is really key as I think it unlocks a self-expression of sort. It's all of this unlocking which is new and unnatural for Suki, but has been really lovely to play."

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Part of the reason viewers are seeing such a big swift in Suki is because she has never before had a close friend to rely on.

"I don't think she has ever had a friend like Honey. She is a one-woman kind of army and does everything herself," Balvinder explained. "She doesn't ask anyone else as she only trusts herself. So it's interesting to see Suki warm up and melt in the company of Honey, which is nice and feels lovely.

suki panesar and honey mitchell in eastenders

Kieron McCarron/Jack Barnes//BBC

"This is someone who helps Suki through grief and has held her hand. Kheerat not being there was a blow and she is still deeply hurt about it, but there was someone there and that was Honey."

Balvinder also spoke about getting to work more closely with Honey actress Emma Barton, saying: "Emma is great, she's brilliant. It's always lovely when you can get an actor that you can bounce off and talk to about your feelings, she's really full of ideas and the energy is great.

"I've also found a friend in Emma. With the way that we have been working with COVID we have just stuck to our families so it's been lovely to form a connection with another cast member. She is so professional and just brilliant."