Two stars from Series 1 and a new entrant talk to us about their hopes and fears as Series 2 gets under wayβ¦. And you can take your corner and defend it β most of the mainstream press has warmed to it β the Asian pressβ¦.
The latest series has added two relatively better known faces to the original and popular list of newcomers to TV. Smoking, really. Tabloid fodder but has a boyfriend in another reality TV star Ross Worswick. Whether it was the romance between Moses Baig and Jo Shah or the indifference of the very popular with the ladies Shmoyel to what was on offer, or the shifting dynamics within the wider Shah family sister Natalie and Mum Celia and Dad, Manoj , there seemed to be something for everyone.
For Shmoyel, the dreamboat of many a young woman, the first series taught him how to be comfortable with himself. Any woman that showed interest was mildly spurned.
He said his parents are not putting any pressure on him but as is traditional, there are expectations not very keenly expressed at present. Almost at the other end of the spectrum is Jo Shah. Speaking before episode 1, she was extremely coy about where her relationship with Moses was headed. Episode 1 spoiler: If you saw the first instalment, you will know the fairy tale romance is faltering. It even gained its own hashtag and because of the cultural differences β Jo is from a mixed race β Asian Dad, white mum β family, while Moses is from a Muslim background, there were the inevitable mutterings.
But Jo said she was heartened by those who supported her and it also helped to open up a debate about mixed race families and some of the issues they face. Mum and Dad went through quite a bit growing up together and being in a relationship. You are going to see the real Solly Akhtar, with a lot more love, a lot more entertainment and hopefully, I will bring a smile to viewers, and make people laugh.
