Iqra Ahmed


Iqra Ahmed is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Priya Davdra. Iqra makes her first appearance in episode 5871, originally broadcast on 19 February 2019. Alongside sister Habiba Ahmed, Iqra is introduced as the great-niece of established character Masood Ahmed. Iqra has been praised by the media for being the first Muslim lesbian to be featured on EastEnders.
Iqra's initial storylines revolve around taking over the local restaurant with Habiba and exposing family friend Adam Bateman for cheating on his partner, but as senior executive producer Kate Oates developed her character, her later storylines have involved coming out as a lesbian to her family and local residents, and the introduction of her long-term girlfriend Ash Kaur.
Davdra's casting as Iqra was announced on 20 December 2018, along with that of Habiba. Both characters were called "feisty" and the BBC described them as "defiant, smart and confident", stating that they would "quickly make an impact on Walford". Iqra is the elder sister of Habiba, and is described as "no-nonsense, bold and intelligent".

Storylines

Before moving to Walford, Iqra was preparing to marry a man through arranged marriage, but runs away with sister Habiba Ahmed. When Iqra learns that family friend Adam Bateman is having an affair with Habiba behind Honey Mitchell 's back, she threatens to expose him. Having seen texts from an unknown person called Ash on Iqra's phone, he counteracts her threat by saying he will expose her secret relationship. Alone, Habiba asks Iqra if it is true, and Iqra nods. Habiba asks who he is, and Iqra replies by saying she is in a relationship with a woman. Rather than letting Adam expose her, she introduces her girlfriend, Ash Kaur, to her grandparents, Mariam and Arshad Ahmed. When they are in a club, men make comments about the pair, with Robbie Jackson flirting with Ash. Initially wanting to hide that she is a lesbian, she insists they are friends, which Ash is uncomfortable with. Iqra then pulls Ash in for a kiss in front of a crowd.
Iqra teams up with Keegan Baker by setting up a sandwich business to rival the business of Ian Beale and when he tries to sabotage the pair, Iqra insists on making the business a success. She receives a van from uncle Masood Ahmed, and the pair begin delivering sandwiches. When leaving mosque with Habiba and Bobby Beale, the three are attacked in an islamophobic assault. The gang tear Iqra's headscarf from her head and strangle Bobby with it, and throw Iqra to the ground, shouting islamophobic remarks at the three of them.
Iqra expresses that she wants to meet Ash's family, but Ash avoids the subject. When Ash's brothers: Jags, Vinny Panesar and Kheerat Panesar arrive in Walford with mother Suki Panesar, Iqra is excited to get to know them. However, due to her Muslim faith conflicting with their Sikh faith, they ignore her friendly attempts.

Development

Introduction

Davdra's casting and details surrounding the character were announced on 20 December 2018. The BBC described Iqra as "no-nonsense, bold and intelligent", and added that "she arrives in Walford with a clear goal but she soon learns that life in the Square is never simple, especially when her sister is involved." Aidan Milan of Metro added that Iqra "will soon make an impression for being bold and assertive".
Senior Executive Producer Kate Oates commented on the Ahmed sisters, saying: "The sisters are certainly going to be a force to be reckoned with. Their arrival will throw number 41 into chaos as they become a nightmare for Mariam and Arshad. Residents of Walford beware, take on one of the sisters and you take on the pair."
The role of Iqra marks Davdra's television debut. Her prior roles include a film, short films, advertisements and a voiceover on a video game. After the announcement, Davdra confirmed on Instagram that the characters would begin appearing on the series from February 2019.

Sexuality

Iqra is initially portrayed as heterosexual, with the media reporting a possible romance with Kush Kazemi. However, throughout her first few weeks on the series, Iqra hints at a secret that could threaten her time in Walford. Then in a scene with Habiba, it is revealed that Iqra has ran away from an arranged marriage. Habiba asks if she has met another man, to which Iqra comes out as lesbian by saying she has met a woman. Later scenes see her come out to her grandparents, Mariam and Arshad Ahmed, where she reveals her relationship with long-term girlfriend Ash Kaur. When asked about the storyline, Davdra commented: "It was amazing. I think EastEnders has done amazing bringing this storyline out. I'm so proud to be presenting this storyline."

Religion

Iqra is the first lesbian Muslim to appear on EastEnders. In an episode broadcast on 18 February 2020, Iqra, Habiba and Bobby Beale are the victims of an islamophobic attack. Iqra's religion is made a topic of conversation in the series, as Ash is a Sikh. The media reported that Ash's mother, Suki Panesar, would kill Iqra in an act of honour, due to the difference in religion, with Jessica Williams of the Daily Express stating "Iqra in danger as Suki plots dark revenge".

Relationships

Habiba

Iqra's sisterhood with Habiba has been a key relationship for her character since her introduction. Before their arrival on the programme, Habiba accompanied Iqra to run from their parents and Iqra's arranged marriage. Worried about being found, Iqra closes herself off, and Habiba encourages her to live her life to the fullest, stating "this is about us standing up for the lives we want to live". When Iqra comes out as lesbian to Habiba, she is initially shocked but supportive, and when Iqra wants to keep her sexuality a secret, Habiba covers for her with Mariam and Arshad.

Ash

Iqra's relationship with Ash begins exploration on 29 August 2019 when Iqra introduces her to Mariam and Arshad. It is explained that Iqra and Ash have been in a relationship since 2018, but were unable to be publicly together due to Iqra's arranged marriage. Initially, Iqra struggles to express her relationship with Ash in public due to not being open about her sexuality. Not wanting to upset Ash, Iqra pulls her in for a kiss in front of the residents. Later scenes see Iqra wanting to meet Ash's family, but Ash being secretive about them. Radio Times gave the couple the portmanteau "Ashra".

Others

Iqra acts as a support to Bobby Beale when he converts to Islam. Executive producer Jon Sen worked with the Muslim Youth Helpline to "craft an authentic storyline". Lindsay praised their friendship, writing: "Iqra and Bobby. Yes to more of this. I love this".

Reception

Upon their arrival, viewers' opinions on Iqra and sister Habiba were mixed, with Angie Quinn of My London stating that "some viewers love them, others are less keen". Initially, viewers deemed the characters "annoying", "irritating" and "wooden". Helen Fear of Entertainment Daily commented: "Hopefully viewers will warm to the new characters", and added "Bad news for haters, as the pair are definitely sticking around." However, opinions on Iqra changed as her tenure on the programme developed her character, with Duncan Lindsay of Metro tweeting "Habiba and Iqra are fantastic characters you have to give characters time to breathe, settle in and become their own." The changing opinion has been accredited to senior executive producer Kate Oates, who took over from John Yorke.
When details of the coming out storyline were reported, Stonewall praised it, commenting: "We’re really hoping these reports are true because we need to see more LGBT Muslims on screen, and better representation of lesbians." Oisin Kelly of GCN, who praised Iqra and her relationship with Ash Kaur, commented: "The increase in LGBT+ characters is reflective of senior executive producer Kate Oates' vision to make the show more inclusive. Examining the impact of faith and loss are areas rich in real-life relevance."