User:Soaper1234/Kush

Khoroush "Kush" Kazemi is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, portrayed by Davood Ghadami. He first appeared in episode 4945 of the show, originally broadcast in the United Kingdom on 20 October 2014, and was introduced as a friend of Martin Fowler (James Bye). Kush and Ghadami's casting were announced on 19 August 2014 and he was billed as a "good guy" who is "funny and full of energy".

Storylines
On his first day of working at Bridge Street Market, Kush causes disruption by trying to drive his van down Bridge Street, but ultimately makes friends due his casual nature. He is attracted to Shabnam Masood (Rakhee Thakrar), despite her coy nature, and helps with the cooking for her brother Tamwar's (Himesh Patel) birthday to impress her. Kush helps Martin's wife Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) to arrange a nude charity calendar, and convinces her by walking naked through the market. As they bond over the idea, Sonia attempts to kiss him, and then admits that she is having trouble in her marriage. Kush encourages her to forget about it, and later takes part in the charity calendar along with Sonia. In an attempt to give Shabnam some Christmas spirit, he kisses her, but keeps this from his friends. Kush pushes Shabnam on her feelings for him, and she later has a one-night stand with him as she is upset over losing her job. She rejects him after, feeling guilty for betraying her religious views, until Kush convinces her to start a relationship. They keep it a secret, until Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) rumbles them and they decide to tell Shabnam's family. However, Shabnam's father Masood Ahmed (Nitin Ganatra) hears it from Donna Yates (Lisa Hammond) first, and is angry at them for keeping it a secret. Shabnam persuades Masood to accept them but ends up lying that Kush has proposed to her. When he tells her that it is happening too fast, as they have only been dating a short while, Shabnam is devastated at her actions and Masood throws him out. Afterwards, Kush confides in Martin that he is not ready for another marriage after the death of his first wife, Safirah. At Donna's 30th birthday party, he gets drunk and when Shabnam tries to talk to him, he tells her that he is still grieving over the loss of his wife. Eventually, Shabnam admits that she does not want to get married; she only lied about the proposal because she loves him. They decide to take things more slowly. Masood comes round to this, but tells them that he does not want to see Shabnam getting heartbroken. However, Kush later proposes to Shabnam after learning of her daughter from Stacey, whom he had earlier kissed.

After kissing Stacey a second time and regretting it, Kush finds out that Shabnam is five months pregnant with their child. He has initial doubts about this, but they soon begin planning their wedding. Seven months into her pregnancy, Shabnam's baby dies, leaving Kush heartbroken. Shabnam gives birth to their son, Zaair, but Kush is unable to cope and leaves the room. He visits Zaair later, cuddling him and telling him how proud he is. Shabnam and Kush argue because he was not there for her and she plans to move to Pakistan, while he considers returning to Essex with Carmel. However, Carmel and Masood get them to reunite. Shabnam rearranges their wedding, hoping that being married will help them gain custody of her daughter Jade Green (Amaya Edward). Kush thinks they are marrying for the wrong reasons, but they agree that they love each other and want to marry. Before the wedding, Shabnam tells Kush that Stacey's baby is not Martin's, and Stacey tells him she thinks he could be the father. Stacey swears a reluctant Kush to secrecy and he marries Shabnam and departs with her for their honeymoon. When Kush and Shabnam return, Kush learns on the day of Jade's hearing that Shabnam took Jade without permission. Kush and Shabnam decide not to go for custody of Jade when they realise they have not come to terms with Zaair's death.

When Stacey's son Arthur Fowler is born, Shabnam thinks Kush could be the father from his behaviour, and confronts Stacey, worried she will lose her husband, but Stacey tells her he is not the father, so Shabnam finds Kush and passionately kisses him. However, Shabnam later hears Kush talking to Carmel about Arthur being his son, and Shabnam begins to re-evaluate her marriage. She wants to tell Martin the truth about Arthur's paternity, but when Stacey's mental condition worsens, she and Kush agree to wait and Kush vows to prioritise Shabnam over Arthur. Kush suggests to Shabnam that they move away, but she decides to leave on her own, urging Kush to stay for Arthur. Masood finds out about this and Arthur's paternity, so punches Kush and threatens to kill him if he comes near Shabnam again, and tells him that Shabnam has already decided to leave Walford. Kush then breaks down in Carmel's arms, thinking he has lost Shabnam for good. Despite Kush's pleas, Shabnam leaves Walford with Jade after planting a tree in Zaair's memory, telling Kush that they must lead separate lives, but she still loves him. Kush then starts drinking heavily and Martin finds out that Kush is Arthur's father. Stacey tells Kush that he can be a part of Arthur's life, but Martin disagrees and breaks his friendship with Kush. An emotional Kush has sex with Nancy Carter (Maddy Hill), but she suffers an epileptic fit in his bed. Kush calls Nancy's former boyfriend, Tamwar, who calls Kush selfish. Kush realises he is a bad role model so tells Stacey and Martin that he wants nothing to do with Arthur. Tamwar calls Carmel, who agrees to move in with Kush. Carmel then reveals to Kush that his father has sold their house and she is homeless.

Kush develops feelings for Carmel's best friend Denise Fox (Diane Parish). They admit their feelings to each other and they have a brief fling, however, she ends it, fearing it will ruin her friendship with Carmel. Kush later discovers from Carmel that Denise is pregnant and believes he is the father, but Denise tells him he is not as she is 18 to 19 weeks pregnant. Kush later advises his younger brother Shakil Kazemi (Shaheen Jafargholi) when he wants to have sex with his girlfriend, Bex Fowler (Jasmine Armfield), who is Martin's daughter. When the explicit image Shakil sent to Bex goes viral around Shakil's school, Bex is blamed, even though Louise Mitchell (Tilly Keeper) was the one who sent it. This causes things to become fraught yet again between the Kazemis and the Fowlers.

Kush pursues Denise again but she turns him down due to her friendship with Carmel. However, when Kush is in the fish and chip shop after having a drink with Denise, Michelle Fowler (Jenna Russell) crashes into it, leaving him unconscious. Denise helps rescue Kush, and while he is in hospital, she admits her feelings for him and they start a relationship. Back home, Carmel interrupts Kush and Denise one morning, but assumes that Kush has met a doctor from the hospital, which he confirms. Denise tells Kush that they should admit to their relationship from the start, so they tell Carmel, who is shocked, and says that when the relationship ends, she would be forced to take Kush's side and would lose her friend forever.

Creation and development

 * Radio Times tag
 * Digital Spy tag
 * Good Morning Britain interview with Ghadami and Thakrar, 28 January 2015
 * Mirror's Soap Week interview with Ghadami, 13 May 2015
 * British Soap Awards interview with Ghadami and Thakrar, 21 May 2015

Casting and introduction
Kush is introduced as the friend of established character Martin Fowler (James Bye) and a new market trader at Bridge Street Market. The casting of Davood Ghadami was announced on 19 August 2014, when Ghadami commented, "I'm so excited to be joining the cast of EastEnders as I've been a fan of the show for as long as I can remember. It's surreal to get to work with these actors that I've spent so many evenings watching on television!" Executive producer, Dominic Treadwell-Collins, expressed his delight at Ghadami's casting and described Kush as "a new leading man to spice up the market and set some female hearts fluttering".

A trailer previewing Kush's first appearance was released on 6 October 2014. Kush first appears in episode 4945 of the show, originally broadcast in the United Kingdom on 20 October 2014. Kush arrives as a new market trader and begins a friendly rivalry with Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace), who is in competition with Kush. Ghadami liked working with Wallace and said that Kush does not make the rivalry "personal" and keeps it friendly. Vicky Prior of the Metro hoped that Kush's rivalry with Kat would spark "some of that famed Slater feistiness" and expected "lots of flirty banter" between Kush and Kat.

Kush becomes involved in a charity nude calendar after his introduction. To encourage others to get involved in the calendar, Kush strips naked in the market, covering his genitals with a pumpkin. Ghadami described the experience as "surreal" but thought that it was justified because it "works very well and is very relevant". He added that his co-stars were supportive and created a friendly environment when filming the scene. He later told Inside Soap that the scene was one of his favourite scenes to film. The charity calendar was created and released to raise money for Children in Need, with Ghadami appearing in a shot with June Brown (who portrays Dot Branning) in the show's laundrette set.

Characterisation and friendships
Kush has the loudest mouth and widest smile on the market, but behind his mischievous bravado is an equally big heart. Kush is loud, fun, friendly and a real fitness fanatic! He’s always been health-conscious, but the harrowing experience of losing his wife made Kush feel that his life was out of his control. The order and structure that Kush’s gym workouts give him help him feel at ease in an otherwise chaotic and unpredictable world. Kush is in his element as a market stall trader; his gift of the gab means he could sell ice to an Eskimo! His natural good looks and boyish charm make him the type of guy most blokes want to be like and most women want to be with.

Kush is billed as a "good guy who is funny and full of energy". He has "the gift of the gab" and has a secret that he wants to "escape". The character's backstory states he originates from Essex, which Ghadami said made him "a bit of an Essex boy." He also said that Kush is "genuinely a nice guy" who wants to make friends. Kush express his opinions freely, which Ghadami said "isn't always appreciated". Ghadami explained that when faced with issues in his life, Kush "usually kind of tends to go to the darker side". He said in May 2015 that Kush's personality would be explored.

Ahead of his introduction, Ghadami confirmed that Kush would develop friendships and build relationships in his first months on the show. Kush bonds with Masood Ahmed (Nitin Ganatra) in his early scenes, and off-screen, Ganatra became Ghadami's mentor when he joined the soap. Ghadami liked working with Ganatra and said that Ganatra "looked after me, steered me in the right direction and has shown me around." Through his friendship with Martin, Kush knows Martin's wife, Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy), a regular character in the show. Ghadami thought establishing Kush as a friend of Martin and Sonia was a "nice way" of creating a relationship between Kush and exisiting characters.

Vicky Prior of the Metro described Kush as "sexy" and a "cheeky chappie". Her colleague, Amy Duncan, also opined that Kush is "sexy", while John Marrs of the Daily Express branded Kush "hunky" and "strapping". Inside Soap said that Kush has a "sweet, senstive soul beneath [his] bravado". Laura Morgan, writing for Digital Spy, labelled Kush "confident". Her colleague, Daniel Kilkelly, called Kush a "fun-loving charmer". Soaplife named Kush one of the "hottest hunks" of 2015 and wrote, "Top on or off, Kush is by miles the hunkiest fella on Albert Square."

Marriage to Shabnam Masood
At the time of the character's announcement, Treadwell-Collins teased a potential love interest for Kush, saying, "it won't be long before he has one Walford woman firmly in his sights..." In his first scenes, Kush clashes with Shabnam Masood (Rakhee Thakrar), which he likes because he "ruffles a few feathers". Ghadami explained that Kush "fancies" Shabnam, which she does not enjoy. Kush develops feelings for Shabnam and tries to win her affections, despite Shabnam's rejections. Explaining Shabnam's reason for rejecting Kush, Thakrar said, "She wants a good Muslim boy and Kush seems a bit cheeky and frivolous. But there is something about him that she is really drawn to." Thakrar also revealed that Kush and Shabnam's relationship was based on the film 10 Things I Hate About You.

As their relationship developed, Shabnam tried to get Kush to marry her, although he was hesitant. It was reported on 17 March 2015 that Kush would explain his backstory to Shabnam in a bid to justify his reasons for not marrying her. Kush revealed that he was previously married, but his wife died while he was unable to contact her. Ghadami described the scene as "very emotional and meaty stuff" and said it was one of his favourite scenes to film. An Inside Soap reporter praised the scene, writing, "Our hearts go out to Kush [...] as we realise there’s more to the macho fella than just his muscles. There’s a very good reason why Kush isn’t keen on getting married to Shabnam, and actor Davood Ghamadi shows us that he can bring tears to our eyes just as well as making us go weak at the knees..." Ghadami explained that the death of his wife made Kush "an emotional, sensitive person" who craves "something consistent from his life".

Kush and Stacey kiss; he discovers Shabnam's secret

Following a holiday abroad with his friends, Kush returns and receives a frosty reception from Shabnam, eventually ending their relationship. Ghadami noted that Kush "senses something's not right", whereas Thakrar explained that Shabnam feels "she has to keep [Kush] at a distance because she is scared that she is going to loose him" as a result of her secret daughter. Shabnam subsquently asks her aunt, Fatima Inzamam (Anu Hasan), to arrange a marriage for her, which upsets Kush and he seeks comfort from Shabnam's friend, Stacey Branning (Lacey Turner). Thakrar explained that Shabnam feels she is to blame for Kush seeking comfort in Stacey. Ghadami believed that Kush and Shabnam have the oppurtunity to reconcile because they love each other, but they would need to improve their relationship by "[working] harder to understand each other better". He also opined that Kush should choose Shabnam over Stacey because Kush has "had to fight for Shabnam, which means the reward is that much sweeter."

Stacey Branning and paternity of Arthur
After he is rejected by Shabnam, Kush begins drinking and seeks comfort from Stacey, who is in an on-again, off-again relationship with Martin. Ghadami explained that Kush and Stacey's respective circumstances led them to one another. He told Digital Spy that their one-night-stand "awakens desire for each other" and following the end of his relationship with Shabnam, Kush feels "he needs to reignite [what they had] somewhere", which is the reasons behind his fling with Stacey.

Ghadami labelled Kush and Stacey as "well suited in their personalities". Allison Jones of Inside Soap described Kush and Stacey having sex as "foolish". Jones hoped that Kush would "step up" for Arthur.

In January 2016, a Soaplife reporter predicted Arthur's parentage "[cannot] stay secret much longer" and noted that "when it does come out, Martin and Shabnam's hearts will be broken."


 * Inside Soap: You've also been chained to the Square railings in nothing but your pants! Did you get a lot of banter on set that day?
 * Ghadami: I did! They were real handcuffs and it wasn't the warmest day! Lots of the cast were snapping selfies. But taking my kit off is just part of being Kush, and it's nice to balance out heavier storylines with the lighter stuff.


 * - Flickr.

Stillbirth
In August 2016, it was announced that Kush and Shabnam would feature in a new storyline as their unborn child is stillborn. The story is billed as "extremely distressing and heartbreaking". EastEnders worked with the stillbirth charity Sands when creating and developing the story. Erica Stewart, an advisor from the charity, hoped to "lift the taboo" of stillbirth through its portrayal on the soap and wanted to raise more awareness for the topic. She added that the charity was grateful for the show's attention to detail during the storyline, commenting, "Everyone involved has approached this storyline with incredible sensitivity." Stewart found it a "delight" to work with Ghadami, Thakrar and the show researchers, pointing out that there was "a mutual respect from the very beginning". Thakrar felt a duty to portray the issue accurately and hoped to encourage conversation as a result of the story. Ghadami and Thakrar worked closely with Sands, which Stewart appreciated. Ganatra found the storyline emotional to film and called it "really sad - but full of heart". Thakrar praised Ghadami and Ganatra for their work in the early episodes of the storyline.

Stewart explained that reactions from characters reflect real-life reactions to stillbirth and stated that the death of a baby is "a major bereavement and needs to be acknowledged as one".

In an interview with Inside Soap, Ghadami revealed that Kush and Shabnam's relationship would be challenged by the stillbirth, but explained that "there is hope that they are strong enough to get through it − but they'll be met with obstacles no couple should have to face..." Thakrar also explained that their relationship could be challenged by Shabnam's "habit of shutting everyone out" and said it would cause problems, but hoped they could move past it.


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 * 
 * 
 * Lorraine interview
 * 

Introduction of family
Producers created a family for Kush in 2015 with the introduction of his mother, Carmel Kazemi. The role of Carmel was cast to former Doctor Who star, Bonnie Langford. The character was billed as "overly protective and with a tendency to embarrass her children", while Treadwell-Collins described her as "a thoroughly modern Essex divorcée who isn’t quite ready to cut the apron strings firmly attached to her son Kush." Ghadami praised Langford's casting and said she "fits into the show". He later told Digital Spy that Langford is "fantastic" and "wonderful to work with" with "a real kind of drive" to playing Carmel. Ghadami added that her portrayl of Carmel has helped him understand his character and Kush's backstory as well as how Kush views his relationships.

Carmel clashes with Shabnam upon her arrival due to overprotective nature of Kush, which makes her "overbearing" for Shabnam. Langford explained that Carmel has "a tremendous desire to see her son happy again and if he has chosen this girl, then she is really grateful to her." She added that Carmel has "been a very strong force in [Kush's] life" as she has always sorted him out. Ghadami and Langford bonded off-set and attended the gym together regularly.

Following Carmel's arrival, Kush's father, Umar Kazemi, and brothers, Darius Kazemi and Shakil Kazemi, were mentioned on-screen. In April 2016, it was announced that Shaheen Jafargholi had been cast in the role of Shakil Kazemi and the character's arrival would involve the family in "a new big storyline". Langford revealed that she and Ghadami were "immediately protective" of Jafargholi as he "fitted in straight away". She also expressed an interest in introducing Darius Kazemi, who she explained works in Dubai as an accountant.

Relationship with Denise Fox
An Inside Soap reporter branded the moment where Denise helps Kush tailor his shirt as "awkward".

Producers rekindled Kush's relationship with Denise in 2017 following weeks of struggle for Denise. When Kush notices Keegan Baker (Zack Morris) tormenting Denise, he steps in and warns Keegan away. A show insider opined that "someone needs to save Denise from herself" and explained that Kush steps in becuase he "still has strong feelings" for Denise. When Denise later loses her job, Kush supports her and persuades her to join him for a drink at The Vic. Afterwards, Kush buys Denise fish and chips before walking her home. A show insider explained, "There's clearly something between these two, but after everything Denise has been through, it's unlikely she'll want to muddle her life further by having another fling with her best pal's son..."


 * 
 * Sean O'Connor's thoughts

Brugada syndrome
In 2017, Kush goes into cardiac arrest and is diagnosed with Brugada syndrome, a genetic condition he received from Carmel and passed onto Arthur.

Introduction
Prior (Metro) praised Kush's introduction, saying "it’s good to see more BAME characters being introduced". She added that it is "great" that Kush is not related to any other characters because "London is full of unconnected strangers passing through, so the idea that everyone on EastEnders moves around in little familial blocks was getting a bit far fetched." Ghadami recieved a positive reaction from fans on social media and said he was "very proud to have arrived on the Square". Michael Cregan of Inside Soap included the scene where Kush strips naked in the market in his list of "5 great things to look out for on TV" for 30 October 2014. An Inside Soap reporter later said that "Sexy market traded Kush had us weak at the knees when he rocked up in Walford and immediately proceeded to strip!"

Shabnam Masood
They also included Kush and Shabnam's engagement party in their "five highlights" of the day article, and praised the scene where Shabnam tells Kush she is pregnant.

Writing about Kush and Shabnam's wedding, an Inside Soap reporter said, "You can’t beat a Walford wedding for drama and surprises, and Shabnam and Kush’s big day is no exception."

Morgan (Digital Spy) praised Kush's pairing with Shabnam, writing, "We waited ages for Kush to finally wear Shabnam down to agree to go on a date with him, and for a while the pay-off was perfect. Confident Kush brought out the best in shy Shabs, and their partnership was a huge hit with the viewers." She added that the stillbirth storyline was "devastating" and said she was "gutted" when bosses split them up.

Stillbirth
Reporters from Inside Soap praised the stillbirth storyline, including each episode of the storyline's first week in its top 5 "soap picks" of the day. They enjoyed the first episode where Kush chased Masood round the Square, but noted that "the fun comes to an abrupt end in the episode’s powerful final scene".

They warned that viewers will "want to have a big of box tissues on standby" for the following episode, in which Kush and Shabnam discovered they had lost their child. A Soaplife reporter labelled the episode "one of EastEnders saddest-ever episodes".

Describing the episode in which Shabnam gave birth, a reporter said it "packed a real punch", with the following episode "no less raw" and displaying "utter devastation".

Soaplife named the storyline the "Best Issue-Based Storyline" of 2015, adding "Shabnam and Kush were heartbroken and our hearts were wrenched watching their grief."

Kilkelly (Digital Spy) named the stillbirth plot as Kush's most memorable storyline.

Stacey Branning and baby Arthur
A Soaplife reporter named Arthur's biological parentage as the "Best Daddy Secret" in 2015.

Of the scenes where Kush was chained to a railing, an Inside Soap reporter said, "All the hours that actor Davood Ghamedi must spend in the gym earn their worth tonight, as Kush is chained to the Albert Square railings wearing nothing but his skivvies and sheepish grin" and noted, "racey Stacey’s eyes are out on stalks." Following the revelation that Kush was the father of Arthur, a reporter noted, "It’s incredibly hard to know who to praise most in EastEnders". They also praised the scene where Martin, after discovering the truth, punched Kush.

Morgan (Digital Spy) branded the plot twist that Kush was the father of Arthur as "unbelievable, unnecessary and cruel".

Denise Fox
In March 2017, Inside Soap ran a poll asking their readers whether Kush should pursue a relationship with Denise: 55% of readers opined that he should, whereas 45% believed they should not rekindle their relationship.

Accolades
Ghadami was shortlisted for his portrayal of Kush in the "Best Newcomer" category at the 2015 British Soap Awards. But he lost out to Doctors' Jessica Regan, who plays Niamh Donoghue. Ghadami was longlisted in the "Best Actor" category at the following year's award ceremony, but was not shortlisted. He was nominated in the same category at the 2017 British Soap Awards. Ghadami was longlisted in the "Best Serial Drama Performance" category at the 21st National Television Awards in 2016, but was not shortlisted. Ghadami won the "Best Soap Newcomer" award at the 2015 TV Choice Awards.

Kush's affair with Stacey was shortlisted in the "Best Affair" category at the 2015 Inside Soap Awards, but lost out to the affair between Debbie Dingle (Charley Webb) and Ross Barton (Michael Parr) on Emmerdale. Ghadami was also longlisted in the "Sexiest Male" category and Inside Soap credited the scene where Kush stripped in the market as the reason he was nominated. On the nomination, Ghadami said, "It's great to be nominated and get a reminder that people like what you're doing". In August 2017, Ghadami was longlisted for Sexiest Male at the Inside Soap Awards. He made the viewer-voted shortlist. On 6 November 2017, Ghadami won the "Sexiest Male" accolade.