Zahra Ahmadi, the talented actress renowned for her portrayal of Shabnam Masood in EastEnders, is currently captivating audiences in ITV's intense new drama series, Betrayal. This gripping production, which also stars Shaun Evans from Endeavour fame, explores themes of trust, deception, and the personal sacrifices demanded by the secretive world of modern intelligence agencies.
From Soap Stardom to Spy Drama
Born in 1982 in Plymouth with Persian ancestry, Zahra Ahmadi first gained widespread recognition when she originated the role of Shabnam Masood on the iconic BBC soap opera EastEnders between 2007 and 2008. Her departure from the show was a carefully considered decision that she has since described as particularly challenging.
"I made the tough decision to leave because I was still young and eager to explore different acting opportunities," Ahmadi revealed. "However, I was genuinely pleased that the producers left the door open for a potential return, as my time on EastEnders was an incredibly valuable experience."
Building a Diverse Television Portfolio
Following her successful stint on EastEnders, Ahmadi expanded her acting repertoire with appearances in various television programs including Count Arthur Strong, The Bay, and notably, the popular detective series Death in Paradise. Her involvement with the franchise continued when she secured a leading role in its spin-off show, Beyond Paradise.
In a memorable 2018 episode of Death in Paradise titled "Murder on the Day of the Dead," Ahmadi played Daisy Anderson, a character organizing a charity auction at a yacht club while secretly engaged in an affair, who ultimately becomes the murder victim. Interestingly, she did not share any scenes with co-star Kris Marshall during this production, as the lead detective role had transitioned to Ardal O'Hanlon by that time.
Overcoming On-Set Challenges
Filming in Guadeloupe for Death in Paradise presented unexpected difficulties for Ahmadi, primarily due to her pronounced fear of insects. "I don't like bugs at all, so I experienced numerous bug-related incidents while shooting in Guadeloupe," she confessed during an appearance on Sunday Brunch.
One particularly alarming incident required production to be temporarily halted when a venomous centipede was discovered on her leg during filming. "Suddenly, someone shouted, 'Get up, get up, get up!' I stood up quickly while wearing a dress, and about ten people rushed over to me, shaking out the garment and brushing down my legs," Ahmadi recounted.
"Nobody would immediately explain what was happening, but eventually my makeup artist informed me that it was a scolopendra—a highly poisonous centipede that had been crawling on me. These creatures can deliver nasty bites and potentially trigger severe allergic reactions," she added, highlighting the unexpected hazards of location filming.
Returning to Television with Betrayal
In ITV's compelling new drama Betrayal, Ahmadi portrays Mehreen Askari-Evans, an intelligence operative assigned to assume the responsibilities of MI5 officer John Hughes, played by Shaun Evans. The series meticulously examines the intricate dynamics of human relationships within the high-pressure environment of British intelligence, where allegiances are constantly tested and personal bonds frequently collide with professional duties.
The narrative centers on Evans' character, a mid-ranking MI5 officer grappling with an rapidly evolving intelligence landscape while striving to maintain his personal connections. His professional world undergoes a significant transformation when he encounters Ahmadi's character, who unexpectedly becomes a trusted confidante amidst the complex web of secrecy and suspicion.
Betrayal represents another noteworthy addition to Zahra Ahmadi's increasingly diverse and accomplished acting career, demonstrating her ability to transition seamlessly between soap operas, detective dramas, and sophisticated espionage thrillers.
