 Manju Patel is played by Leena Dhingra.Originally a guest character, Mrs Patel's primary purpose was as a plot device in the exit of nurse Naomi Julien, after the actress Petra Letang left the show.However, following her two appearances on 4 May and 21 May 2007, she became popular with fans, to the point where she has been called a "cult icon" by "Digital Spy" soaps editor Kris Green.