In an effort to represent multicultural Britain, Eastenders are about to score a double-whammy: sources reveal that newcomer Syed Masood will embark on an affair with flamboyant, mans-man Christian.  This no doubt will please BBC bosses, as the storyline will tick two boxes in their quota - giving screen space to an Asian character, whilst simultaneously giving a high-five to the gay community.  But the question is, after already being treated to scenes of affection from Syed’s parents Zainab and Masood, will this be a step too far for many desi’s?

Political correctness aside, this storyline is sure to cause some shockwaves in the desi community.  After all, Eastenders is one of those long-running soaps that the whole family sit around to enjoy, which means that while us younger desi’s may be more socially adept and aware of today’s evolving society, our parents, some of whom are more naive than others, may be shocked and appalled by the story.  I mean, we’ve all been there, when you’re watching the most innocent looking political drama, and then the two characters you would least expect become rather, well, amorous.  Cue awkward coughing, bathroom breaks and the imaginary phone ringing.  This sense of cringe-worthy unease was beautifully depicted by the TV show ‘Goodness Gracious Me’, where no programme was smut-free, not even the Queen’s speech. When sitting with the folks, my programme of choice is the news, with the TV remote at the ready just in case things get a bit ‘friendly’ between Trevor McDonald and Sian Lloyd.

Though, don’t get me wrong, Eastenders are trying their best to embrace diversity.  We have the bhangra music we hear near Stacey’s stall and the Masood’s have now found their niche with Masala Masood.  In fact, when they first joined the square, I regaled in their ‘nearly there’ representation of a desi family.  I have since retracted my statement.  With Zainab trying to match-make Syed with that ‘really-fake-annoying-one-who-can’t-act’, and Syed’s girlfriend having moved in with the Masood’s, things are getting beyond surreal.  Firstly, I can’t think of any girls (who are still alive) that moved into their significant other’s parents’ house before marriage.  It just seems like the brains behind Eastenders are trying their best to make the Masoods appeal to the mainstream audience, without properly researching their niche desi market.   Eastenders aren’t alone in their failed attempt at realism.  We’ve already seen a gay Asian storyline in Hollyoaks. But to be fair, that family’s realism was tarnished way before that story; what with Laila moving in with Justin and was NOT cast out by her family, it all seemed a bit too good to be true.

How we receive the daring Eastenders storyline depends on how it’s presented, and crucially the Masood family reaction.  But one thing is for sure, it will be a shocker.

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