BBC One

Looking back through Zainab's colourful five and a half years in Albert Square

Enter Zainab...

She gets off to a conspicuous start as the owner of the Post Office, clashing with Denise.
... and welcome also to Masood

Her long-suffering husband and the one person who can bring out her lighter side.
They're joined by Shabnam and Tamwar

... and the Masood family are soon all relocated to Albert Square.
But Zainab is harbouring some dark secrets about her past life back in Pakistan

Which she eventually reveals to her daughter. Shabnam.
Zainab's past continues to catch up with her...

... when Masood’s annoyingly pious family pitches up in The Square.
Zainab also has ambitions to be a businesswoman

So it's obviously not long before Ian Beale approaches her with a partnership proposition.
But it's a difficult decision to make

And Zainab has to think long and hard before committing to such a risky venture.
Soon enough the decision is made for her

When the Post Office is forced to close and Zainab needs an alternative income.
And the Masala Queen restaurant is born!

Although it ain’t all happy times as a food-splattered Jane can attest...
But occasionally Zainab and Masood get a quiet moment together

Such as this romantic celebration of their anniversary.
As always, drama is just around the corner

When Zainab’s reunited with her estranged son, Syed.
Zainab soon has high hopes for Syed's engagement to the lovely Amira

... but we can see from this photo that Syed has other ideas!
Syed and Christian from the restaurant become ever closer

And it starts to raise Zainab's suspicions.
But hold that thought for a moment...

... because Zainab is unexpectedly pregnant again!
A dramatic birth follows...

... which results in Masood delivering the latest addition to the family, Kamil.
But it doesn't take too long for hostilities to resume with Christian

Such as this tense confrontation scene.
And Zainab's less compassionate side is on display

When she evicts poor Syed from the family home.
As a result Tamwar is the new favoured son

Until his unexpected choice of date to the opening of the Argee Bhajee.
Who turns out to be the daughter of Zainab’s dastardly ex-husband Yusef...

... whose family tried to kill her in Pakistan.
Despite the initial frostiness, Yusef turns on the charm

And soon muscles in on Zainab while Masood’s in the doghouse, eventually proposing to her.
And we’re all set for the denouement to a classic EastEnders love triangle

As this stylish Christmas special photo suggests!
In dramatic scenes Zainab causes Yusef’s death in the B&B fire

But Tamwar is also seriously burned as a consequence.
The guilt weighs heavily on Zainab

Until she confesses everything to Masood.
But in recent months developments have been a bit more lightweight

As Zainab’s had to get used to the arrival of Masood’s good-for-nothing brother, AJ.
But another arrival - Ayesha - was the catalyst for end of Zainab and Masood's marriage...

... and Zainab's time in The Square, as Ayesha's crush on Masood caused friction.