Already looking at setting down roots in the UK and building her career on the island, Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty is being suggested as the new star of Eastenders, one of the UK’s top two soaps. "Primetime exposure several times a week on mainstream English TV will do her career the world of good,” said a friend, “All sorts of roles and deals could follow." Shilpa is represented by the UK’s top entertainment agency, Max Clifford.

Shilpa recently bought a £10m mansion in Weybridge, Surrey and expectations are that she will tie the knot with businessman Raj Kundra later this year. "I have very traditional views of marriage,” she explained, “I've seen my parents maintain a 35-year marriage and I really believe marriages are made in heaven. I’ve always said that the day I decide to tie the knot it is going to be for good. I have often wondered who the right person would be and I've come to realise that for me it is Raj. I'm completely sure he is my soul mate."

Shilpa recently paid tribute to celebrity Jade Goody, who passed away from cancer last week. "She was the architect of my fame, and I give her the credit for that," she said on the Richard and Judy daytime chat show.