EastEnders have confirmed a domestic abuse storyline for Chantelle and Gray Atkins.
In scenes that aired on Friday night, Gray was furious when Chantelle’s dad, Mitch Baker, beat him to the finish line at the Walford 10k – and things got even worse when his father-in-law confessed he had actually cheated.
Most of the family saw the funny side of it all, with Gray storming off from the celebrations and Chantelle following him. And then things took a harrowing turn when they got back inside their home.
Gray subjected Chantelle to a terrifying attack when they were alone in their house, shoving her against the wall and blaming her for laughing and humiliating him. It soon became clear this wasn’t the first time it had happened in their relationship.
According to Metro, the scenes were the start of a long-running plot for the soap – and EastEnders are working with Refuge and Women’s Aid on the storyline.
Kate Oates, BBC’s Head of Continuing Drama, told the publication:
“When Chantelle and Gray arrived on the Square, they gave many of their neighbours a big dose of life-envy with their perfect relationship and no-filter-needed looks and lifestyle.
“But there is truth in the old adage that you don’t know what goes on behind closed doors; and the very first time we crossed the threshold of No 1, we saw the truth of their relationship, and the violence Gray subjects Chantelle to.
“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 because she regards her abuse as a shameful secret. We hope this story encourages women and men who experience violence to seek out the help we know they deserve.”
Jessica Plummer, who plays Chantelle, added that she feels “honoured to take on the responsibility” of the story.
She said:
“This is an issue that I, and everyone at EastEnders, hope we can raise awareness of. Many women and men that are in Chantelle’s situation suffer in silence and we really hope that by showing this story we can highlight an issue and encourage those in similar situations to seek the help they need.’
Toby Alexander Smith, who plays Gray Atkins, said:
“Chantelle and Gray’s journey is about to take a huge turn for the audience. This storyline will depict how hidden from sight domestic abuse remains even today.
“To the unaware eye Gray appears to be a loving husband and a committed father; but his charm is a front for the power and control he exerts over Chantelle – an experience all too common to thousands of women up and down the country today.
“Domestic abuse, in all its forms is against the law and is shrouded in secrecy. I hope that by tackling such a sensitive subject matter we can raise awareness of the importance of changing societal values so that both women and men’s rights to live free from abuse, invasion, disempowerment and intimidation are respected.”
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact Women’s Aid 24 hours a day on 1800 341 900.
