In the last few weeks, we have seen the introduction of the Masood family.  Zainab first appeared in July, as owner of the Post Office.  Her daughter Shabnam was also introduced at the same time, as the new Post Office manager.  Zainab’s husband, Masood, is the new local postman (bit of a family monopoly here!).  Tamwar is the couple’s other son, and was introduced as a classmate of Libby’s.  The family recently moved into number 41, and a few mysteries have started to appear.

Zainab and Masood have another son, Syed, who the couple do not like talking about.  Initial rumours that Tamwar is gay have been denied by Eastenders executives, but rumours about the sexuality of Syed and Shabnam have also begun to gather pace.  We know that Shabnam is keeping a secret, and she did appear somewhat uninterested in Mickey when he told her she was fit (although she could just have taste!). 

Is Syed’s sexuality the reason for his apparent family expulsion?  Well, viewers on discussion forums seem to want a new gay character making it difficult to know whether this is purely rumour or not, but there is clearly some family tension about something!  On Friday’s episode, we saw burn marks (or some other marking) on Zainab’s stomach.  Will the two mysteries be interconnected?  Only time will tell…