How will Nish Panesar exit EastEnders? All the theories

The show traditionally leaves the speculation to its fans, so as not to spoil the surprises to come, but we do know that dying Nish, who is currently on the run after escaping prison custody, is hiding out in the Square.

Nish has managed to win round grandson Davinder 'Nugget' Gulati (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury), and the evil character is plotting to ensure that Suki cannot marry the love of her life, Eve Unwin (Heather Peace)!

With Nish holding the crucial secret of The Six's murder cover-up over Suki, will he get his way?

One way or another, Nish's time on screen is about to come to an end. So, just how will evil Nish make his EastEnders departure?

Read on below as we explore all the options.

How will Nish Panesar leave EastEnders?

Hospital deathbed

It seems ever more unlikely at this point, but perhaps Nish will pass away comfortably in a hospital bed, with loyal Nugget by his side.

While spoilers indicate that vile Nish won't be going out as peacefully as this, we can't rule out the possibility that he will succumb to his condition, putting an unexpectedly quiet end to his reign of terror.

Victim of murder

Could Nish be purposely bumped off during his last stand?

Nish came close to losing his life when Denise Fox (Diane Parish) struck him with a bottle in order to stop him from attacking Suki.

He then survived another close call when Suki tried to leave a deteriorating Nish, who has viral myocarditis, for dead.

But with The Six in fear that he will blow the truth about Keanu's (Danny Walters) murder, could one of the women end up killing Nish?

Nish's has already hinted that he would orchestrate Eve's death. So, could he strike, only to be fatally stopped by Suki - continuing The Six's theme of the women acting in self-defence against men?

Or maybe Nish successfully kills another before he meets his own demise - he's already tried to bump off Eve once, as well as son Vinny (Shiv Jalota)!

If Nish is murdered for real this time, will justice have been served?

Last breaths in the Square

Instead of taking the action he desires, Nish could find himself struck down for good by his illness.

Just as he gets ready to destroy Suki's happiness, what if Nish drops dead, alone and helpless?

Again, it feels too quiet to be part of this particular EastEnders exit – but it would certainly be fitting!

Last-minute transplant

There's still time for Nish to get the life-changing news that a match is found for a heart transplant, leading him to seek treatment abroad, gain a new lease on life and stay on the run.

Will he get away with his monstrous behaviour and start anew elsewhere?

We can't see him letting go of his vendetta, but there is always a chance Nish won't die when he makes his exit. Of course, this could also mean he gets to face life in prison instead!

Panesar showdown

While there has never been any suggestion that Suki and Nish's eldest son, Kheerat Panesar (Jaz Deol), might return, we would certainly love to have him back in time to challenge Nish and win.

Kheerat is currently in prison after confessing to the murder of Ranveer Gulati (Anil Goutam) to protect Suki - even though Ravi was the real culprit.

Short of Ravi himself coming clean, could the rest of the Panesars find another way to clear Kheerat's name, bringing him home in time to give his mum away at her wedding to Eve?

But first, Kheerat could go head-to-head with Nish. Or what if Vinny stands tall enough to do the same?

Read more:

• EastEnders Christmas and New Year spoilers: Your day-by-day guide as Cindy Beale's secrets explode
• EastEnders' Joe Swash reveals which soap legends he felt so lucky to work alongside
• EastEnders airs dangerous twist for Phil Mitchell in early iPlayer release
• EastEnders' Heather Peace promises New Year chaos at Suki and Eve's wedding
• EastEnders' Michelle Collins teases 'classic Christmas episode' as Cindy's affair is revealed
• EastEnders' Balvinder Sopal on Nish's New Year vendetta and "high-intensity wedding drama"
• EastEnders confirms Suki and Eve wedding chaos as Nish returns for revenge

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and from 6am on BBC iPlayer.

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