Aaliyah Laiqah James (born 26 June 2000) is an English actress, known for portraying the role of Avani Nandra-Hart on the BBC soap opera EastEnders since 2023.

[1][2] She studied drama for her GCSEs and was involved in productions with Old Vic New Voices and the Age Exchange Company.

[3] In 2022, James made her television debut when she appeared in the BBC One crime drama Inside Man, portraying a train passenger in the programme's first episode.

[4][5] In October 2023, James joined the cast of the BBC soap opera EastEnders as Avani Nandra-Hart.

[6] Her character is introduced alongside mother Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan Levy) as the secret daughter of Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) and sister of Davinder "Nugget" Gulati (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury).