Before He Stars in Yesterday, Here's Everything You Need to Know About Himesh Patel Today

Himesh actually met EastEnders actor Nitin Ganatra — who played his father, Masood, on the show — long before his audition, after his sister asked for his autograph. It seems they were destined to work together!

Look how young Himesh is in this video! His parents encouraged him to join a youth theater group, and he was still at school when he first learned of the role of Tamwar. He had to get his audition pushed back because of a science exam. "On the penultimate day of my GCSEs I got a call about the Eastenders audition. I did my last exam and dad drove me down to Borehamwood," he said.

Himesh is really proud of the work EastEnders did with tricky storylines. In an interview, he said: "I was especially proud to be involved with the gay Muslim storyline. It was a very brave move. They tackled it so well. It was really well crafted."

Acting isn't Himesh's only passion; he's also very into writing and even cowrote an episode of EastEnders E20 with his costar Charlie Hawkins. "I haven't written a complete script as of yet, because I don't want to rush it. I have lots of ideas and dreams. I'm sure one day I'll write and act in my own film."

We know crying is part of an actor's job, especially in a show like EastEnders, but Himesh has definitely got it down to a fine art. Take a look at this hilarious video, where he explains his process. Who knew a cup of tea could be so emotional?!

Himesh played the character of geeky Tamwar Masood for almost 10 years and even said he felt guilty when he decided to quit the show, leaving fellow actor Nitin Ganatra as the only member of the popular Masood family left on the show. "I did feel a bit guilty when I told Nitin I was going, as it would leave him on his own in terms of the family," he said to Metro. "I'll try and keep up with Eastenders, though, and check in on Masood from time to time." The pair have a really strong relationship, which you can see in this video clip.

He doesn't just act and write; he's musical, too. Here he is performing in a talent contest with some amazing guitar moves.