It's annoying that it's slightly tainted the character as newer viewers are just going to remember her as an isolated character who was always miserable and no explanation or exploration as to why that was. If this was a new character played by a less capable actress, I'd probably feel nothing for the character either.

The exit was to be expected as we have speculated for a while.

An unexpected turn for Bobby there. I do wonder what their approach is going to be with this and I hope they’re not going down a radicalisation route.

An unexpected turn for Bobby there. I do wonder what their approach is going to be with this and I hope they’re not going down a radicalisation route.

Sounds like it's going to be a positive story:

 

EastEnders have been working with the Muslim Youth Helpline on this storyline, which helps Bobby find peace with his past actions through his new-found Muslim faith.

 

In the coming weeks viewers will see Bobby explore his new faith and how it positively affects him; offering Bobby support and helping him find peace with past events. As Bobby continues to settle into life back in Walford, albeit facing many challenges from his past, Bobby finds much support and encouragement from many close by.

 

Zohra Khaku Director of the Muslim Youth Helpline said: “The Muslim Youth Helpline have been providing feedback on Bobby’s storyline with the BBC EastEnders team. In a time where young British Muslims see their faith overwhelmingly represented in a negative way, it is heartening to see Islam portrayed as a positive influence in Bobby’s life."

 

Jon Sen added: “We are thrilled to be working with the Muslim Youth Helpline on a storyline which serves to challenge preconceptions and prejudices about the role of faith in young peoples’ lives. Bobby Beale's story will show how a young boy uses religion to help find peace and give his life meaning, structure and purpose. We hope this storyline will demonstrate the positive impact of religion in modern society.”

f*** SAKE GRAY

I thought it was going to be Honey on the subject of domestic abuse, it seems to be handled well. This is the second time this subject has been covered as I remember little Mo Slater bashing Trevor with an iron

Yes,it will be interesting to see what happens with Gray and Chantelle. I wouldn't have even been able to put a name to Chantelle's husband up to this point.

Apparently

Phil

will be attacked yet again....

Apparently

Phil

will be attacked yet again....

 

By

Lisa?

:kink:

Another storyline where Phil is fighting for his life. Very original. And he'll survive yet again. Must be the Mr Indestructible of the Square

Best UK Soap again at the moment.

 

Been ages since EE was this good!

It’s been obvious for some time that this was what they were going to do with Gray and Chantelle. The fact that she was hesitant to take the job and the fact that until last night, we’ve never seen them in a scene on their own or in their house.

I expected Adam and honey for such a storyline but im.hapoy with it going to them also.

Honey and Adam won’t be domestic abuse, he’s just a slime ball cheat.

I've been waiting for something to "surprise" us about Chantelle and Gray's relationship for weeks. He's such a lovely gorgeous guy and they're a perfect couple, but the signs have been there for ages - it's been done so well and the reveal of the abuse was a hard scene to watch.

This has all the makings of a brilliant storyline, it's great as well to use new characters so quickly with such a big storyline. Kate Oates is really moving the soap on, I agree it's probably the best atm.

3.3m for last night’s episode is not great though. It’s improving massively as a show but the audience needs to be tempted back in too

Just caught up on the Thursday and Friday episodes. There was lots of speculation that there would be domestic abuse storyline for Gray and Chantelle so I wasn't surprised to see it confirmed in an article after the episode aired, but I wasn't expecting it to be quite so brutal and raw. I welled up as Chantelle sunk to the floor in tears and the way the scene lasted just longer than a moment really added to the discomfort of it. The build up as they were walking to the house and Chantelle was trying to talk her way out of what she knew was coming was really suspenseful and I also thought it was good that we actually saw the aftermath: once upon a time, the beating would have been the duff duff; a quick shock with no immediate follow up. If the show wants to raise awareness on domestic abuse, we need to see it all.

 

Jessica Plummer's soft delivery of her lines makes sense now in this context. I just wish I could believe Chantelle as a part of the Taylor family because that would make the storyline stronger. As it stands, I don't see any chemistry with any of her family members and that may get in the way of other aspects of this storyline.

 

Also, I forgot to mention last week, but the Pride episode was potentially my favourite of the year. :heart:

 

Also again - Honey in that dress! *.*

Chantelle needs further integration with the Tylers in general to really bring more power to the storyline.

Congrats to Lacey Turner and her partner Matt on the arrival of their daughter on Friday! :wub: