Advertisement

EastEnders hinted at Chantelle's death scen e in January

From Digital Spy

The following article contains discussion of domestic violence that some readers may find upsetting.

EastEnders spoilers follow.

EastEnders aired some chilling and devastating scenes last night (September 18), as Chantelle Atkins was killed by her abusive husband Gray, after she confronted him over his months of abuse.

He killed her by pushing her onto an open dishwasher, where she lay paralysed on top of a bed of broken kitchenware. To cover his tracks, he then walked around the Square and chatted to various people, giving himself an 'alibi'.

It seems like the writers had this death in mind for a while, as a line from an episode that was broadcast in January foreshadows Chantelle's tragic death.

Photo credit: BBC
Photo credit: BBC

From 23 minutes 30 seconds into the episode from January 9, Gray walks into the kitchen as Chantelle is loading the dishwasher, notices how she is doing it and says: "How many times do I have to tell you? Cutlery up or it doesn't get cleaned."

The camera then specifically focuses on Gray turning a knife and fork to point upwards. It's highly unlikely that he planned to kill her in such a way, but more like the writers had put in a hint to see if fans would notice. They did.

Photo credit: BBC
Photo credit: BBC

While the episode was a tough watch, fans praised it for how it raised awareness of domestic violence and abusive situations. Jessica Plummer – who plays Chantelle – spoke to Digital Spy about how important it was to get it right, especially with cases of domestic violence rising during the pandemic.

EastEnders airs the fallout of Chantelle's death on Monday (September 21) at 8.05pm on BBC One.


We would encourage any readers who are affected by the issues raised in this story to contact Refuge (www.refuge.org.uk) or Women's Aid (www.womensaid.org.uk). The 24-hour, freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0808 2000 247. The US National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or text text LOVEIS to 22522.


Digital Spy now has a newsletter – sign up to get it sent straight to your inbox.

Read more EastEnders spoilers on our dedicated homepage

Want up-to-the-minute soaps news, spoilers and gossip on your social feeds? Just hit 'Like' on our Digital Spy Soaps Facebook page and 'Follow' on our @soapscoop Twitter account.

You Might Also Like