Preeya Kalidas: From EastEnders to pop music

Preeya Kalidas has released her debut single Shimmy

There have been some interesting exchanges between the worlds of TV soaps and pop music over the years.

For every success story (Kylie Minogue, Natalie Imbruglia) there have been some spectacular failures.

Stefan Dennis (Paul from Neighbours), Adam Rickitt (Nick from Coronation Street) and, perhaps most cringingly, EastEnders' Sid Owen (Ricky Butcher) and his forage into the world of reggae with his 2007 single Good Thing Going.

Preeya Kalidas, who played Amira Shah in the London-based soap until April, is launching her bid with her debut single Shimmy which was released on Monday.

Music 'priority'

Those who only know her as the troubled wife of Syed, might be surprised to learn that music was her priority before acting.

Before acting she attended the Sylvia Young performing arts school in London, along with the likes of Amy Winehouse and Billie Piper.

"Emma Bunton was there when I was there," Kalidas told Newsbeat. "We used to catch the same train going home."

Preeya Kalidas played Amira Shah in EastEnders until the start of 2010

Her career has seen her appear in a number of films too - Bend It Like Beckham, East Is East, and most recently, Chris Morris' Four Lions.

But now her attention is turned "100% to music".

"It's important in your career to take risks," she says.

"I would hate to get to a point in my life where I've had a certain opportunity and I regret not taking it. That would be the worst thing for me.

"It's hard for any artist releasing a record, regardless of where you come from. Hopefully people like it, but if not, at least I can say I tried to do that."

'Never say never'

She admits she's nervous ahead of her big push for pop stardom, but has tried to give herself every opportunity for success.

She's worked with producers Labrinth and Naughty Boy on her as yet untitled debut album - both of whom have been architects of big hits in the past.

For the moment though, she's keeping a lid on her expectations.

"For me just having the opportunity to get it released and get it out there is amazing. So, I'm just enjoying the ride - we'll see where it takes me.

"Of course I would love chart success."

But does she worry it might all go a bit Sid Owen?

"I ended my contract with EastEnders.

"I had an amazing time on the show and being part of such a powerful, interesting, controversial storyline.

"But would I go back? Never say never. She deserves to go back after what she [Amira] has been through."

She pauses: "I still have my amazing acting agent."

Single Shimmy came out on Monday 26 July.