Davinder “Nugget” Gulati’s storyline in EastEnders has been nothing short of explosive since he first arrived on the Square in August 2022. Introduced as part of the extended Panesar family, Nugget’s character quickly found himself tangled in a web of family drama, emotional trauma, criminal activity, and life-threatening health issues — all before even turning 17.

Raised by his volatile and shady father, Ravi Gulati (played by Aaron Thiara), Nugget grew up estranged from his mother, Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan Levy), who had vanished from his life when he was just a baby. Ravi’s dark past and criminal connections constantly loomed over their home life, often forcing Nugget into morally conflicted situations. Yet despite Ravi’s flaws, Nugget always seemed desperate for his approval — a dynamic that proved to be both damaging and dangerous.

In a dramatic twist in October 2023, Nugget ran away from home to seek out his mother. That reunion not only reopened old wounds but also unearthed a secret that shook his world: he had a younger sister named Avani, who Priya had deliberately hidden from Ravi due to her mistrust of his past as a drug dealer. The revelation added another layer of emotional complexity to Nugget’s already-fractured family dynamics.

But emotional turmoil was just the beginning. In one of the most harrowing chapters of his story so far, Nugget suffered a major health crisis after taking an unregulated dose of steroids. What might have started as an attempt to gain confidence or strength quickly spiraled into a life-threatening emergency, with doctors diagnosing him with kidney failure. His condition required long-term dialysis — a sobering and painful reminder of how fast life can change, especially for a teenager trying to navigate an unstable environment.

One would expect such a scare to pull Nugget away from danger, but in EastEnders, things are rarely so simple. Shortly after his recovery, Nugget made yet another perilous choice: he aided his grandfather, Nish Panesar (Navin Chowdhry), in escaping from prison. This decision underscored his vulnerability — caught between loyalty to family and a longing for guidance in all the wrong places.

Nish, a violent and manipulative man, had terrorized much of the Panesar clan — including attempting to kill Suki Panesar and her partner, Eve Unwin. Yet Nugget had grown close to his grandfather during his brief reappearance, perhaps searching for a sense of family and connection that he was missing elsewhere.

Then came another devastating blow: on New Year’s Day, Nugget’s world was shattered when Nish was killed — pushed off a hotel balcony by Ravi, his own son. Witnessing this traumatic act at the hands of his father left Nugget emotionally crushed. Despite Nish’s cruelty, Nugget had developed affection for him, and he was deeply affected by his death. The fact that the family — perhaps in justified relief — chose not to attend Nish’s funeral only added salt to the wound. Nugget felt abandoned and betrayed once again, lashing out at his relatives for not respecting the man who, in his eyes, had become a source of stability.

Adding a further twist to his turbulent story, it was revealed that Nish had left all his assets — possibly worth a substantial amount — in a trust for both Nugget and his half-sister Avani. This raises questions about what lies ahead for the teenager. Will he be drawn further into the Panesar family’s murky legacy? Will this inheritance empower him to forge a new path or drag him even deeper into conflict?

Off-screen, actor Juhaim Rasul Choudhury portrays Nugget with nuance and emotional depth. Aged 20 in real life, Choudhury hails from Brent and studied in Slough. EastEnders marks his first major acting role, and despite being a newcomer, he’s made a powerful impression as a troubled teen caught between loyalty, trauma, and the desperate desire for family connection.

On-screen, Nugget is portrayed as a 16-year-old student at Walford High, dealing with pressures that would break most adults. Whether it’s navigating his complicated relationship with Ravi, surviving a near-fatal medical emergency, or coming to terms with his grandfather’s death and shocking inheritance, Nugget’s character has evolved into one of the most compelling young figures on the show.

As his story continues to unfold, fans are left wondering: will Nugget find a way to rise above his family’s toxic legacy, or is he doomed to repeat the same mistakes? With a mind full of questions, a heart full of grief, and a future now tied to Nish’s fortune, Nugget’s next move could change everything in Walford.

Would you like a deep dive into another Panesar family storyline or a spoiler preview for next week’s EastEnders episodes?