OHMYGOSSIP — ‘EastEnders’ boss Kate Oates hopes to “encourage” domestic abuse survivors to “get the help we know they deserve” through the show’s latest harrowing violence storyline.
The BBC soap is currently airing a storyline in which Gray Atkins (Toby Alexander-Smith) has been assaulting his wife Chantelle Atkins (Jessica Plummer) behind closed doors, despite them seeming to be the perfect couple, with Gray being known around Albert Square as a nice guy.
And now, boss Kate has said the team have paired up with domestic violence charities Refuge and Women’s Aid to guarantee the story is told accurately, because bosses want to “acknowledge” the varying degrees of abuse.
Kate said: “In this story, we seek to acknowledge the fact that any relationship, however outwardly enviable, can be affected by violence and abuse.
“Chantelle is strong and capable, with friends and family to support her; and yet she is still unable to voice what is happening to her, and is therefore preventing anyone from helping her as she regards her abuse as a shameful secret. We hope this story encourages those who experience violence to get the help we know they deserve.”
Jessica, who plays Chantelle, also wants to help those in “similar situations” to her character, and says it’s an “honour” to take on such a hard hitting storyline.
Speaking to Inside Soaps magazine, she added: “I feel honoured to take on the responsibility of Chantelle’s story. We hope that we can highlight an issue, and encourage those in similar situations to seek the help they need.”
Recent scenes on the soap have shown Gray feud with Chantelle’s father Mitch Baker (Roger Griffiths) after Chantelle’s younger brother Keegan (Zack Morris) reveals he’s been inspired to quit school after spending time with the solicitor at his work.
Unhappy with the news, Mitch storms over to Gray’s house to have it out with him, and soon after the heated exchange begins, the pair exchange blows.
The harrowing storyline is set to continue on Friday (26.07.19) at 8pm on BBC One.

Source: celebretainment.com
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