Ash was introduced as the bisexual Punjabi Sikh girlfriend of established character Iqra Ahmed (Priya Davdra) in episode 5980, broadcast on 29 August 2019.

Later revealed to be an estranged member of the Panesar family, Ash's storylines have mainly focused on her complicated family relationships, especially her mother Suki (Balvinder Sopal) due to her sexual orientation, her romantic relationships with Iqra and Peter Beale (Dayle Hudson), being a victim of racism at the hands of Aaron Monroe (Charlie Wernham), and her eventual exit from the soap after accepting a job in Canada.

In January 2023, it was announced that Ash had been axed by executive producer Chris Clenshaw, with the character making her final appearance in episode 6659, broadcast on 8 March 2023.

Ash attracted praise from critics and viewers, with Laura-Jayne Tyler of Inside Soap praising the "subtle girl power" Ash brought to the show, Zara Woodcock of the Daily Mirror commenting that the character had been a wide success with audiences, and Garcha often noting that she received supportive messages from fans.

Ash interprets a comment from Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman) as racism, and reports him to his employer Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace), who fires him.

Ash is blackmailed by Eve Unwin (Heather Peace) after writing an incorrect prescription for her to return money that her family stole from Jean Slater (Gillian Wright), but she is caught by Kheerat in the act.

When Ash's father Nish Panesar (Navin Chowdhry) is released from prison, it is revealed that local resident Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) is her half-brother.

As a result, Ash pursues the job and departs after warning Nish to give Suki more control of their marriage's business empire.

[5] In October, it was revealed that Ash was the sister of the Panesar brothers; Kheerat (Jaz Deol), Jags (Amar Adatia), and Vinny (Shiv Jalota).

[10] Garcha explained that a trait of her character is her persistence, as she addressed: "With Ash, if she gives her time to something, it's important to her – she's very honest and strong in her beliefs, if she is engaged with something, she wants it".

[7] Garcha teased the couple's storyline to be "a bit of a rollercoaster", opining that it would be "exciting and interesting" for Ash's brothers to meet Iqra.

[11] She explained that it was because it was her "first relationship storyline" and admitted that she "really loved them together" as "they really worked" and enjoyed receiving supportive messages from fans and viewers.

[11] Garcha detailed that "all [Ash] wants deep down is to be loved by her mum, and feel supported", which she doesn't get from Suki, describing their relationship as a "rollercoaster" and "all over the place".

[10] After Suki began an affair with another woman, Eve Unwin (Heather Peace), Garcha commented that Ash would feel "angry, betrayed and confused" at the news, but that she would sympathise with her mother in the end due to also being part of the LGBT community.

[11] Despite Peter cheating on Ash with Suki, Garcha remained hopeful that their romance would survive, opining that it was "really nice" and "evolved quite naturally".

[22] When asked what she'd tell Ash about dealing with ignorant people, Garcha responded: "Challenge it – have conversations, open and honest and explain why it's hurt you – why it's offensive".

She explained: "Witnessing the relationship Suki and Dotty have formed so easily makes Ash question why it can't be the same for her and her mum".

[24] Prior to his eventual introduction, Garcha expressed enthusiasm for the show to debut Ash's imprisoned father, Nish Panesar (Navin Chowdhry).

[25] As Nish's release date drew closer, Garcha acknowledged that viewers had recently seen Ash "expressing how she never really got to know her father" and explained that her character "loves her dad" and would be "floored" to be reunited with him.

[27] The character's exit storyline was later revealed to be "straightforward" and sources disclosed that Garcha had considered her time on the soap as "incredible", but was "ready to try new things".

[28] After Ash's exit in episode 6659, broadcast on 8 March 2023, the soap released a video of Garcha delivering a speech after concluding filming her final scenes.

[30] Johnathon Hughes of Radio Times was unsurprised by the reveal of Ash being a member of the Panesar family, commenting that he had "pretty much guessed it".

[31] Speaking on the positive reactions, Garcha commented: "It is nice to know when someone can relate to your role and storyline, It is very rewarding as an actor when you feel like you're helping people and then giving them a sense of comfort, so they know they are not alone".

[9] Garcha was enthusiastic about receiving "really positive" messages from Punjabi Sikh fans who related to Ash, explaining that people were "proud to be represented" and have been supportive of her storylines.

[28] Angie Quinn of MyLondon reported that the exit announcement had left fans "heartbroken" as Ash had proved to be an "immediate hit" with viewers.