It's a one-off appearance for now, but who knows what could happen in the future..." "ITV News" called Fat Elvis a "cult character" and said that fans went "into meltdown" after his unannounced appearance in the show. The "Daily Mirror" said Fat Elvis's appearance was "a long, long, long time coming" and called the character "mysterious". Carmel Kazemi, played by Bonnie Langford, made her first screen appearance on 26 May 2015. The character and Langford's casting was announced on 5 April 2015. The actress began filming her first scenes in the same month. Of her casting, Langford said "I'm so thrilled and delighted to be part of "EastEnders". I'm a great fan of the show and think the recent 30th Anniversary was sensational and shows just how good British television can be. To be part of this family is an absolute privilege." Carmel is Kush Kazemi's (Davood Ghadami) mother. Executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins described the character as being a loud and embarrassing "modern Essex divorcée who isn't quite ready to cut the apron strings". He added that she would clash with Kush's fiancée Shabnam Masood (Rakhee Thakrar). Laura-Jane Tyler from "Inside Soap" praised Langford's first appearance and said "bright, bubbly and a touch inappropriate, Carmel has an air of Peggy Mitchell about her – but not half as irritating! More please "EastEnders"!" It was announced in August 2015 that Langford had signed a one-year contract with the show and that Carmel would become a regular character. Langford revealed her delight at this news. Laura-Jayne Tyler of "Inside Soap" was pleased with the news Carmel would be a regular character, "The shiny new plaque on Bonnie Langford's dressing room door suggest that Carmel is set for a long stay on the Square. We couldn't be happier!" It was announced on 12 July 2018 that Langford would be leaving the role at the end of the year. Carmel departed on 5 November 2018. Carmel comes for dinner with Shabnam after she becomes engaged to Kush. She gets on well with her father, Masood Ahmed (Nitin Ganatra), and they go for a drink together, where Masood tells Carmel that Shabnam has a daughter that she abandoned seven years ago. Carmel is understanding and offers her support to Shabnam but this just angers Shabnam as it wasn't his place to tell anyone.