EastEnders resident Chantelle Atkins (played by Jessica Plummer) was left in shock after discovering she was pregnant with husband Gray’s (Toby-Alexander Smith) child in recent weeks. As she continues to live in fear of her husband, will he keep up with his therapy sessions and leave his violent ways behind?
Speaking to Express.co.uk at The Inside Soap Awards, Toby explained how Gray’s journey through therapy would be a storyline set to continue within the soap.
Viewers will see Gray find the process of therapy “uncomfortable” as he tries to conquer his demons.
In scenes aired a few weeks ago, Gray appeared to return from his first therapy session, however some fans were left convinced that he was lying to his wife about going in the first place, as revealed little about the experience to his wife.
However, it seems as though he will indeed be attending sessions on screen, and his transformation is a subject that will continue to be explored in months to come.
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Addressing his character’s new challenge, he said: “Gray has just started therapy, so moving forward that is something that Gray now needs to focus on, with a baby on the way.”
It seems as though he will attempt to work through his “needs to try and reshape those awful values and self entitlement he has to treat her the way he does“.
“He knows this is an opportunity now, a new leaf for him to really change and see it as a fresh start basically,” he added.
What will be uncovered as the reason for Gray’s abuse towards his wife?
However, things are set to get worse, as in scenes to air next week, Gray will be angered after Chantelle excitedly heads back to work.
The lawyer is left furious to discover his wife has gone back to work without his permission.
He then reveals to her family that they are expecting before the hairdresser has the chance to reveal it herself.
While they are left delighted with the news Chantelle will be expecting, they are still blissfully unaware about the abuse Gray is subjecting her to behind closed doors.
Will Gary manage to work through his issues, or will Chantelle be in even more danger with her unborn child if he fails to change?
EastEnders continues tonight at 8pm on BBC One.
