Cast your mind back to 2009, when 12 year old Shaheen Jafargholi wowed the world with an incredible performance of the Jackson 5’s ‘Who’s Lovin’ You’.
Not only did the Welsh singer impress the judges and audience alike by making it through to the finals, but he also impressed Michael Jackson himself and was asked to perform with him on his This Is It tour. Unfortunately, the shows never happened due to the King of Pop’s tragic passing, but Shaheen was then given the honour of performing a musical tribute to the legend on stage at the Los Angeles Staples Center in a globally televised funeral memorial service.
Fast forward seven years, Shaheen has now landed himself a role in EastEnders, playing 15 year old Shakil Kazemi, son of Carmel (played by Bonnie Langford) and cheeky younger brother to Kush (played by Davood Ghadami).
Shakil is set to arrive in Walford determined to reunite his parents who previously divorced, but things don’t go to plan now his father Umar is with another partner. Shakil is also set to find some romance of his own!
On joining the soap, Shaheen said: “I’m so excited to be joining the show. I’ve been a fan since I was a little kid so to now be a part of something so iconic is an honour.
“I’m also really excited to be working with a legend such as Bonnie Langford. I’m having so much fun playing her son and can’t wait for people to finally meet Shaki.”
Shaheen has previously starred in other BBC dramas including Casualty and Torchwood. He is expected to make his first appearance in EastEnders later this spring.
Are you looking forward to seeing Shaheen Jafargholi in Eatsenders? Let us know by tweeting @CelebMix or leave a comment below.
Take a trip down memory lane by watching Shaheen’s Britain’s Got Talent audition below.