Nina Wadia
For many UK viewers, Nina Wadia will always be Zainab Masood – the sharp-tongued, big-hearted matriarch from EastEnders. Others still think of her first as one of the comedy powerhouses behind Goodness Gracious Me. Add in a stint on Strictly Come Dancing and a long list of films, radio and stage credits, and it’s no surprise people keep asking: where is Nina Wadia now, and what is she doing?
The short answer: she’s still very much in demand working across TV, film and theatre, championing major charities, and carefully choosing roles that let her show both her comedy timing and serious drama chops.
This guide walks through Nina Wadia’s journey after EastEnders and Strictly, what she’s working on today, and why her career continues to matter for British TV, comedy and representation.
Nina Wadia Before and During EastEnders
Before Walford came calling, Nina Wadia was already well known on British TV. She first broke through on the landmark BBC sketch show Goodness Gracious Me, playing a range of characters that became instantly quotable including the mum who “can make it at home for nothing”.
From there she moved between sitcoms, guest roles and film work, appearing in projects such as:
- All About Me
- A string of UK dramas and comedies
- Films including Namaste London, Code 46 and later Disney’s Aladdin
In 2007 she joined EastEnders as Zainab Masood, quickly becoming central to many of the show’s biggest storylines. For more than five years, Nina Wadia’s Zainab was one of the Square’s standout characters – funny, fierce and often heartbreakingly vulnerable.
Strictly Come Dancing: A Short but Memorable Run
In 2021, Nina Wadia swapped the Queen Vic for the ballroom, signing up for Strictly Come Dancing. Sh
Their performances including a high-energy samba in week one – showed real promise, but they were the first couple to leave the competition after week two.
Even so, Strictly gave many younger viewers their first introduction to Nina Wadia beyond EastEnders, and reminded long-time fans just how game she is for a challenge.
So… Where Is Nina Wadia Now?
If you’re wondering where Nina Wadia disappeared to, the answer is: she didn’t. She simply shifted into a mix of projects that don’t all sit in the primetime soap spotlight.
1. Drama and Guest Roles
In recent years, Nina Wadia has appeared across a variety of TV dramas and comedies. Highlights include:
These projects show that life after EastEnders has been far from quiet – it’s just been more spread across different genres and channels.
2. Leading a New Stage Musical
One of the biggest answers to “where is Nina Wadia now?” is: on stage. In 2024 she was announced as the star of NOW That’s What I Call A Musical, a new jukebox show packed with classic pop hits from the famous compilation albums and directed by Craig Revel Horwood.
She plays Gemma, a woman heading to a 1980s-themed school reunion – a role that lets her bring together the comedy, heart and musical timing fans know so well.
For many fans, seeing Nina Wadia live in a musical has been a standout experience – proof that she’s just as comfortable owning a stage as a TV set.
3. Film Festivals and Red Carpet Appearances
Alongside stage and TV work, Nina has been back on the red carpet, promoting projects like Bonus Track at festivals and industry events. She turned heads at the film’s premiere at the BFI London Film Festival in 2023, and continues to appear at launch events and press days for new projects – including crime drama The Sunshine Murders in 2025.
Charity, Honours and Life Off-Screen
Away from the spotlight, Nina Wadia is deeply involved in charity work, particularly around health.
Some of her off-screen contributions include:
- Serving as an ambassador for the British Asian Trust, working on projects tackling inequality and supporting communities in South Asia.
- Supporting type 1 diabetes research charities after her son was diagnosed, using her platform to talk honestly about life as a parent of a child with the condition.
These roles show another side of Nina Wadia a campaigner and mother who uses her fame for something more than just promotion.
Is Nina Wadia Returning to EastEnders?
One of the biggest questions fans ask is whether we’ll ever see Zainab Masood back in Albert Square. Nina Wadia has made it clear that she still has a lot of love for EastEnders and for Zainab.
With the soap’s big anniversaries and its habit of bringing back iconic characters, a comeback is always a possibility – but as of now, nothing has been officially announced. For the moment, “Nina Wadia now” means a busy schedule of stage work, guest roles and family life rather than a full-time return to Walford.
Why Nina Wadia Still Matters in UK TV and Comedy
It’s easy to treat “where are they now?” articles like simple nostalgia. But in Nina Wadia’s case, her career says something bigger about British entertainment.
- She was one of the first British-Asian women many viewers saw regularly in mainstream sketch comedy and prime-time soap.
- She’s comfortable switching between comedy, drama, film, radio and stage – something not all actors manage over several decades.
- She speaks honestly about challenges: ageism, typecasting, balancing motherhood with work, and managing health in a tough industry.
For fans searching “Nina Wadia” hoping to find out if she’s still working, the answer is a definite yes – and in more varied ways than ever.
FAQs About Nina Wadia
1. Who is Nina Wadia?
Nina Wadia is a British actress and comedian, born in Bombay and raised between India, Hong Kong and the UK.
2. What is Nina Wadia doing now?
Right now, Nina Wadia is balancing TV guest roles, film work and stage projects like NOW That’s What I Call A Musical, as well as charity work and family life. She continues to appear at festivals, on panel shows and in one-off drama and comedy roles.\
3. When did Nina Wadia leave EastEnders and why?
She left EastEnders in 2013 after more than five years as Zainab Masood.
4. Was Nina Wadia on Strictly Come Dancing?
Yes. Nina Wadia took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2021, partnered with professional dancer Neil Jones. They were the first couple to be eliminated, leaving in week two, but she’s spoken since about how much training she put in and how tough the early exit felt.
5. Has Nina Wadia received any honours?
Nina Wadia was awarded an OBE in the 2021 New Year Honours list for services to charity and entertainment, recognising both her acting career and her long-term support of various charities.
