BBC/ITV/Composite: EastEnders Insider Share By Joel Harley Jul 23 2025 By Joel Harley Jul 23 2025 Former EastEnders star confirms romance with Love Islander The pair confirmed their romance in a sweet Instagram post ITV Love Island Share By Joel Harley Jul 23 2025 By Joel Harley Jul 23 2025 Former EastEnders star Rukku Nahar has officially confirmed that she is in a relationship with one-time Love Island resident Michael Griffiths. The actress, who played Habiba Ahmed on the BBC soap, first became linked to the reality TV star last year. Michael is best known for appearing on Love Island in series 5, in 2019. He entered the Villa on the first day, and was eliminated on Day 49, after being dumped. Following his appearance on the ITV reality TV show, he and Rukku sparked rumours that they were dating when they attended the premiere of Venom: The Last Dance together. They have now confirmed their relationship status in a sweet post to his Instagram account. Rukku played Habiba Ahmed (Credit: BBC) EastEnders star confirms romance with Love Islander The pair’s romance confirmed their romance yesterday as Michael posted a series of pictures and videos to his Instagram account, as they attended a boxing match together. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers In the caption, Michael wrote: “Her first official fight night ?? And what a night it was, here’s to many more adventures ?” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Michael (@mac_griffiths_) Rukku responded in the comments below Michael’s post, sharing a heart emoji. He then replied with a heart emoji of his own. How sweet! The comments were full of love from Michael’s fellow Love Island alumni, as well as well-wishes from influencers and reality TV stars. Among those sharing congratulatory emojis were Liam Reardon and Josh Denzel. “I love you both so much,” said MAFS star Laura Jay Vaughan, adding a heart emoji and a lovelorn face. But how long was Rukku on EastEnders, and when did she leave? Habiba dated Jags on EastEnders, to his mum’s chagrin (Credit: BBC) Who did Rukku Nahar play on EastEnders? Rukku appeared on EastEnders from 2019 to 2020. She played Habiba Ahmed, niece of Masood Ahmed. Soon after arriving in Walford, she struck up a controversial romance with Jags Panesar. Chief among their haters was Jags’ mum Suki, who disapproved of her Sikh son dating a Muslim woman. Habiba left Albert Square in 2020, when Jags was sent to prison for attacking Martin. Following her exit, she gave birth to Jags’son, who she named Tyrion. As for Jags, he died in 2021, after being beaten to death in prison. Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns. Share Good to Know Share By Joel Harley Jul 23 2025 By Joel Harley Jul 23 2025
