Gray Atkins

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Gray Atkins
EastEnders character
Portrayed byToby-Alexander Smith
Duration2019–2022
First appearanceEpisode 5893
29 March 2019 (2019-03-29)
Last appearanceEpisode 6649
10 March 2022 (2022-03-10)
ClassificationFormer; regular
Introduced byKate Oates
In-universe information
Other namesJasper
OccupationLawyer
Fast food worker
FatherAlex Atkins
Wife
Sons
DaughtersMia Atkins

Gray Atkins is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Toby-Alexander Smith. He was introduced by executive producer Kate Oates in episode 5893, broadcast on 29 March 2019, as the patriarch of the Atkins family, which included Gray, his wife Chantelle (Jessica Plummer), and children Mia (Mahalia Malcolm) and Mackenzie (Isaac Lemonius). Before his introduction and during the beginning of his time on the show, Gray was depicted as a charming and confident businessman, as well as a loving husband and committed father, before Gray and Chantelle became the focus of a storyline about domestic abuse. The show worked with charities such as Refuge and Women's Aid to depict the storyline in an accurate and sensitive manner. In September 2020, the show's bosses announced that the storyline would end with Gray killing Chantelle as spousal murder saw a sharp increase during the beginning of the COVID-19 lockdowns, which inspired Oates to portray the story's outcome this way.

Following the ending of his story with Chantelle, Gray served as the show's main antagonist. He murdered Tina Carter (Luisa Bradshaw-White) and Kush Kazemi (Davood Ghadami) before entering a second marriage to Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams), with the two having a son together, Jordan Atkins. The relationship began to sour as Gray began physically abusing Chelsea shortly before the show announced that Smith had been axed in February 2022 for storyline purposes. Smith said he enjoyed the challenge that came with playing someone as deceitful as Gray. In episode 6649, broadcast 10 March 2022, Gray's departure was depicted as his arrest after his murders were finally uncovered, a downfall Smith called "a long time coming".

The character of Gray was highly disliked by viewers due to his wicked actions, frequently being described by the media as "evil" and "vile". Smith was subjected to online harassment on social media from people who struggled to differentiate him from his character, which he said peaked during Gray and Chantelle's domestic abuse storyline. Smith believed that the backlash was "worth it" if televising a domestically abusive relationship helped a victim escape one in real life. Despite the reactions to his character, Smith won various awards and nominations for his portrayal of Gray, including a British Academy Television Award nomination for "Must-See Moment".

Development[edit]

Introduction and characterision[edit]

Toby-Alexander Smith (pictured) plays Gray.

Gray's arrival and Toby-Alexander Smith's casting was announced on Digital Spy on 11 March 2019.[1][2] He was introduced as the patriarch of the Atkins family, an extension of the Taylor family, which included the previously mentioned times as a member of the Taylor family, Chantelle Atkins, and their children Mia and Mackenzie.[1] Smith and Plummer had already begun filming scenes prior to the announcement.[2] Smith said he was "delighted" to join EastEnders, as he had been a fan of the soap for a long time, adding that he was "looking forward to seeing what Albert Square [had] in store for Gray".[1] The Atkins family were announced to "cause a stir" in Walford upon arrival.[2] It was said that Gray and Chantelle would arrive in Walford with a "secret agenda".[3] Chantelle would appear first, followed by Gray and the children.[2][4] Gray went on to make his first appearance on 29 March 2019.[5] Gray and Chantelle's arrival was teased to "ruffle feathers" among residents of Walford.[4]

EastEnders executive producer Kate Oates said Gray and Chantelle's history was said to be that Gray had charmed Chantelle, causing her to leave the Taylors and start a family with Gray.[1][2] The producer characterised Gray as a "hard-working solicitor whose success took Chantelle away from the [Taylor family]" years prior, due to his charm and good looks.[1] Gray was further characterised by the media as a "high-flying businessman" who is "charming, confident and very proud of everything he's achieved", having previously worked hard in a city law firm to achieve his family's luxurious lifestyle.[2] Radio Times described Gray as a "London boy done good" who is grateful for what he has in life.[4] Plummer teased Gray's villainous side in May 2019, saying that Gray "had the potential" to become one of the soap's greatest villains, adding that Smith "could do it justice".[6] Smith said in June 2019 that Chantelle and Gray were "just trying to settle into the square" at that point as it was a very different living arrangement from what they had previously. He added that Gray still hadn't integrated with the Taylors yet, especially Mitch.[7]

Abuse of Chantelle Atkins[edit]

On 12 July 2019, the show confirmed that Chantelle and Gray would become the focus of a storyline about domestic abuse.[8] The announcement was made after a scene where Gray subjected Chantelle to a "horrifying attack" in their home.[8] The show worked with charities such as Refuge and Women's Aid to portray the storyline in an accurate and sensitive manner.[8][9] Teresa Parker, head of communications for Women's Aid, said it was "important" to portray domestic abuse on screen as realistically as possible, and that EastEnders had worked with the charity from the early development of the storyline, which included advising themes and details in the scripts.[8][10] The storyline was "thoroughly researched" with experts in domestic abuse.[8] Sandra Horley, chief executive of Refuge said of the storyline "The more we all understand domestic abuse [and the more we can spot the signs], the more women, like Chantelle, will be able to seek help", adding that the organisation commended EastEnders for highlighting this "insidious issue".[8] Smith explained that Gray uses charisma as "a front for the power and control he exerts over Chantelle".[9]

Jessica Plummer (pictured) plays Chantelle, Gray's wife and the subject of his abuse. Smith described his scenes with her as "intense", but that they worked well together.

Oates added that from Chantelle and Gray's arrival, they made their neighbours envious of them, but that a theme of the storyline was not knowing what went on behind closed doors, as "the very first time we crossed the threshold of [Chantelle and Gray's house], [viewers] saw the truth of their relationship, and the violence Gray subjects Chantelle to".[8][9][10] Oates also hoped that the storyline would encourage domestic abuse victims to escape their situation and seek help.[9] Smith was pleased that the subject of domestic abuse was being tackled on EastEnders, teasing that the "storyline will depict how hidden from sight domestic abuse remains even today".[10] He added that "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".[10] The actor hoped that by tackling the subject, the show could 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".[10]

During the abuse storyline, it was revealed that the pair moved to Walford to give them a fresh start and for Gray to potentially change his behaviour.[11] Chantelle was revealed to have fallen pregnant from Gray after he injured her stomach.[12] In October 2019, Smith confirmed that the show would tackle Gray's backstory.[13] Smith said there was an "insecure" side to the character, adding that he found it "very difficult" to identify with Gray, but he had to "find ways of [...] finding that humanity in Gray because he is very layered".[13] Smith added that Gray isn't a "monster" without reason, as his toxic behaviour stemmed from negative experiences throughout his life.[13] Following Chantelle's pregnancy, the actor said that Gray saw it as an opportunity to turn over a new leaf, believing it was "very much a motivation to try and reshape his values and beliefs and [Gray] knows that he needs to change now". But was unsure if Gray's pride would allow him to "lose that entitlement".[13] Smith believed Gray's abusive behaviour was a reflection of his desire for "power and control", adding that "the minute something slips off kilter, [...] he panics", scared of losing whatever is around him.[13] Chantelle went on to miscarry the baby, choosing not to tell Gray out of fear of his reaction.[14]

After Gray hid a fight at a nightclub from Chantelle, she stood up to him by telling him that his abuse had to stop or else they wouldn't be having another child.[15] At a therapy session, Gray revealed his past, which involved a childhood where he was subjected to abuse from both his parents, especially his father.[16][17] Smith said a lot of Gray's issues are from how his father treated his mother.[18] Smith described filming scenes with Plummer as "intense", especially with the responsibility of depicting the subject matter delicately, but added that he and Plummer worked well together. He also cited humiliation as Gray's main trigger for his violent outbursts.[16]

Gray grows violent again with Chantelle, breaking her arm, and after discovering that she didn't tell him about the miscarriage, rapes her.[18][19] In January 2020, Smith revealed that the storyline would get darker and that Gray's abuse would not be found out by Chantelle's family any time soon.[18] The actor said that Gray's mental state has deteriorated to the point that he won't see the issue in his behaviour fixed by therapy sessions.[18] He also added that the possibility of Gray's children finding out about the abuse was "something [the show] are exploring because it's a very important thing to consider that children are very savvy with the arguments that their parents have".[18] Smith said that it would take "something big" for Gray to change his way, and believed the character wanted to and was "intelligent enough" to do so, but would struggle due to his "self-entitlement [and] stubbornness". Smith added that Gray has "been this way for such a long time" that it was unsure whether he could change, saying "I think there's a part of him that does want to change, but whether or not he can, we'll see".[20] The actor said that Gray is "brushes [his mistakes] under the carpet, it’s too easy for him". He admitted that many people watching wanted Gray get his comeuppance but he was unsure if Gray would get one.[21] Smith named Gray as the "hardest" role he's ever portrayed as he is "layered" and viewers all of them, including "vulnerability, aggression, his lovely bloke persona and insecurity".[21] He continued by saying himself and Plummer were "very lucky" to have built a friendship before filming their scenes together as Chantelle and Gray, as it allowed the pair to establish personal boundaries with eachother.[21]

Murder of Chantelle[edit]

Executive producer Kate Oates (pictured) was inspired to portray Gray killing Chantelle after learning the high statistic of women being killed by a partner.

In August 2020, it was announced that Chantelle would begin trying to escape Gray.[22] Around one month later in September 2020, Kate Oates and Jon Sen, bosses of EastEnders, came to the decision to have the storyline conclude with Gray killing Chantelle following an escalation of his violence towards her during quarantine.[23][24] Additional details surrounding the murder were revealed as Chantelle would try leaving, but Gray would kill her to stop her.[24] Oates was thinking of a long-running story which would hold a "significant impact" for the show.[25] Such a story outcome had not been portrayed in a soap or serial drama before, which also enticed Oates to commission the plot.[25] Sen said that the storyline was important to air and that the ending was planned to be tragic from the beginning "with the intention of embedding the stark reality of domestic abuse at the heart of the Atkins family". He added that "being able to shed light on the realities of what goes on behind closed doors has never been more crucial given the harrowing statistics as a result of the current pandemic and hopefully Chantelle’s story will encourage people to speak out to someone they trust and get the support that they need.[24] Smith echoed hopes that the storyline's conclusion would help give people courage to speak out "before it's too late".[23] The storyline ended in this fashion due to statistics surrounding domestic abuse victims at the time. Refuge reported seeing a "soar" in calls and contacts during the pandemic and Women's Aid reported that over two-thirds of survivors reported their domestic abuse escalating during lockdown.[24] Spousal murder also saw a sharp increase during the beginning of lockdown as Oates was inspired to portray the story's outcome after hearing a story from radio magazine show Woman's Hour and learning the high statistic of woman killed by a partner.[23][25] Following criticism that the story may discourage victims of domestic abuse from leaving, Teresa Parker, head of communications at Women's Aid, said that it is a realistic conclusion supported by research and wanted it to create "important conversations".[26]

Smith said that he frequently spoke to Women's Aid throughout his time on the show and that said that the COVID-19 lockdowns increased people's awareness on domestic abuse.[22] The actor appeared on the ITV talk show Loose Women, and was asked why EastEnders chose to announce Chantelle's death beforehand. He explained that it was announced because it may have triggered some viewers, especially those who had experienced domestic abuse before.[27] Smith said the storyline had generally improved his understanding of domestic abuse.[27] Gray went on to kill Chantelle in episode 6132, broadcast on 18 September 2020.[26] After Chantelle announces that she would leave Gray, they have an argument which concludes with Gray pushing Chantelle onto a knife in a dishwasher.[26] Plummer recognised that her character's death may not be what audiences want to see, but believed it was important that they did see it, as it reflected real life.[26] Plummer and Smith filmed this entire segment, which lasted for approximately 15 minutes, in one take, which is unusual for regular filming. Plummer explained that they did this to avoid losing momentum and likened it to being in theatre.[26] Plummer also said that herself and Smith rehearsed for the episode beforehand, the first rehearsal she had on the show.[28] Writers had foreshadowed the nature of Chantelle's death in scenes broadcast in January 2020, which was noticed by viewers after broadcast of her death. In the scenes, Gray warns Chantelle about placing cutlery up in the dishwasher.[29]

Additional murders[edit]

Tina Carter[edit]

Luisa Bradshaw-White (pictured) plays Tina, Gray's second murder victim.

Following Luisa Bradshaw-White's announcement of her character Tina Carter leaving EastEnders, it became apparent to viewers that Gray would have a hand in her character's departure.[30] This was because Tina and her sister Shirley (Linda Henry) moved in with Gray leading up to the departure.[30] On 28 December 2020, Tina found out that Gray killed Chantelle, threatening to tell everyone about it. To stop this, Gray trapped her in the house and murdered her while Shirley was out.[31][32] Gray convinced Tina's family that she fled the square to escape legal charges from Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) and disposed of her body in an unknown location.[32][33] Fans noted that Tina's phone would have recorded Gray's actions on voicemail, indicating a possible way Gray would receive retribution.[34] Sen revealed that Gray would receive a comeuppance for murdering Tina, saying "The soap Gods never forgive something like that and we need to see Gray pay, but I’m going to keep when that’ll happen close to my chest but it’s something we’ve talked about a lot" and that there would be a chance that Gray would "strike again".[33][35]

Despite some fans theorizing that Tina had survived Gray's attack, Bradshaw-White confirmed that her character died.[36] Bradshaw-White called it "weird" to film her character's death scene, especially as her death was depicted on-screen.[32] Despite this, she commented that filming the scene with Smith was "fun", especially playing dead.[36] While the Carter family, especially Shirley, grew suspicious of Gray due to his lack of urgency around finding her, Gray paid a homeless woman to pretend to be Tina.[37][38] The woman was intentionally caught shoplifting before giving her fake name and running away.[37][38] Over a year later, in February 2022, It was announced that Gray hid Tina's body under the Argee Bhajee restaurant, as many fans had speculated.[39][40] In March, it was announced that the Carter family would learn about what happened, with Shirley vowing that Gray would get what he deserves.[41]

Kush Kazemi[edit]

Davood Ghadami (pictured) plays Kush, who Gray kills by pushing infront of a train.

In September 2020, it was announced that Davood Ghadami, who played Kush Kazemi, would leave EastEnders.[42] The nature of the character's departure was left ambiguous but it was revealed that it would be a climax to a "huge plot" that would unfold in 2021.[42] This announcement, alongside Gray's increasingly odd behaviour towards Kush over Kush's growing relationship with Whitney Dean led fans to predict that Kush was going to be murdered by Gray.[43][44] This suspicion increased when Whitney proposed to Kush in March 2021.[45] On 19 April 2021, Gray discovered that Kush and Whitney had planned to leave Walford together, enraged, Gray became violent and aggressive towards Kush when Whitney left, as he claimed that Kush was ruining Whitney’s life. Kush, shocked at Gray's outburst, told him that he needs help.[46][47] The interaction became physical, causing Gray to lunge at Kush and fall onto the tracks.[46] Kush helped Gray up before berating Gray for his reckless actions. While an oncoming train arrived, Gray pushed Kush infront of it, resulting in Kush being run over and dying, making him Gray's third murder.[46][48] Kush's death was ruled an accident due to "lack of evidence" as CCTV footage had been vandalised.[47][49] Gray manipulated Whitney into believing that the Mitchell family were responsible for Kush's death.[50] The plotline generally received negative reactions from fans.

Ghadami confirmed in July 2021 that Gray would not get away with his actions for much longer.[51] He added that Smith was "great" when they filmed their scenes together and was interested to see how the story ended, saying the show had "managed to shape [Gray's] character and it'll be interesting to see where it goes".[51] It was announced in March 2022 that the Carter family would discover what happened to Tina, with no word if Kush's murder would also be solved.[41] Ghadami said that he was able to "finally put Kush Kazemi to rest" following Gray confessing to the murder in March 2022.[52]

On-off relationship with Whitney Dean[edit]

In March 2020, fans started to speculate that Whitney Dean, played by Shona McGarty, had a romantic interest in Gray as the two had grown close over the course Whitney being a client for Gray after she stabbed her stalker, Leo King (Tom Wells), in self-defence.[53][54] In May 2020, during Gray's marriage to Chantelle, the show hinted that he would cheat on her with Whitney after he rescued Whitney from being held hostage by Leo's grieving mother Michaela Turnbull (Fiona Allen).[54] While Whitney's crush on Gray had become apparent to viewers by this point, the show implied that Gray may return her feelings.[54][55] In June 2020, it was announced that Whitney would make a move on Gray after fans speculated an affair between them was on the horizon.[56] whitney kissed Gray on 8 June 2020, which Smith said caught Gray off-guard.[57] He added that the kiss would "certainly add a new element to the case that [Gray] wasn't prepared for".[57] He insisted that "at this stage, Gray doesn't have any feelings towards Whitney whatsoever" as "his main agenda is to try and keep her calm and encourage her to stay positive and not panic".[57] Smith believed Gray helping Whitney was coming from "predominantly good place", but that Gray didn't expect an emotional connection of "any sort", preferring to keep things "strictly professional".[57]

Shona McGarty (pictured) plays Whitney.

By January 2021, Gray and Whitney remained friends after Gray successfully cleared Whitney of legal charges.[58] Gray now wanted Whitney to fill Chantelle's role and become a family unit as Gray needed "someone to control".[58] Gray manipulated Whitney into not going on a planned date with Kush, instead convincing her to join him and the children to see a movie.[58] Gray asked Whitney to move in with him, but she declined as she was concerned he was still grieving over Chantelle's death, unaware that Gray killed her.[58] By the time things heated up between Whitney and Kush, with Whitney proposing to Kush, Gray had developed an "obsession" with Whitney.[45][59] A surprise visit from Kush whilst Whitney babysat for Gray enraged Gray when he returned home, as he was very aggressive with both of them, hurling insults, and exposing his true nature.[60] McGarty said it would be "amazing" if Whitney could be the one to take down Gray, as she was often asked in public if Gray was going to be caught.[61] McGarty further warned that Gray "could explode at any moment" and as Whitney still had no idea of what Gray was capable of by that point, she believed "Whitney should start looking over her shoulder".[61]

After Gray found out Whitney and Kush were planning to leave Walford, he murdered Kush by pushing him in front of an oncoming train while Whitney was away after telling him he was "ruining" her life.[46][47] Gray fled the scene before Whitney returned, so she didn't know Gray was behind Kush's murder.[46][47] Based on Gray's behaviour, Whitney believed Gray had something to do with it, as she accused him of killing Kush the following day.[49] Gray managed to regain Whitney's trust, as in September 2021, the show teased that the two would begin another romance ahead of Gray's confirmed downfall.[62] In December 2021, McGarty teased that Whitney would find out about Gray's murders, saying she hoped that Whitney would get "the ultimate revenge" on Gray as he killed her fiancé.[63] The actress admitted that she didn't know what was going to happen, calling it "really annoying and exciting" to be in the dark.[63] She did disclose that the revelation would come as a big shock to Whitney, as she previously believed that Phil (Steve McFadden) and Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) were responsible for Kush's death.[63] The actress said that Whitney "would never have thought [Gray] was capable of murder", calling it "heart-breaking as Whitney and Chantelle were [very] close".[63] She compared it to watching a scary documentary where "your next door neighbour is a murderer".[63]

Whitney was later revealed to "work out" that Gray killed Chantelle, before rushing to stop his wedding to Chelsea Fox out of fear the same would happen to Chelsea.[64] Whitney went on to find out out the truth about Gray after asking his ex-boss Laura why she fired him, with Laura saying it was because of Gray's misogyny and violent outbursts.[65] McGarty explained that "Whitney has known Gray for a long time so she’s seen behaviours that she finds concerning, like aggression".[65] She continued by saying "I think initially she put [his aggressive behaviour] down to the fact he’d lost his wife, he's a single parent and he's finding it all very difficult, but the warning signs are there now and she's expecting to find out that there is more to it and that he's not a very nice person".[65][66] Whitney uncovered Gray's abuse when she stumbled across his posts from Chantelle on a domestic abuse forum.[67] She shared the information with her friend Kheerat Panesar (Jaz Deol) and they worked out that Gray was responsible for Chantelle's murder and then succeeded in exposing Gray's true self to Chelsea, who agreed to help them build evidence to get Gray arrested.[67]

Second marriage to Chelsea Fox[edit]

In May 2021, Gray and Chelsea Fox, played by Zaraah Abrahams, began flirting, which made many consider Chelsea as Gray's next victim.[68][69] On 15 June 2021, the show confirmed that a relationship between the characters would start as they would go out on a date.[70] The show confirmed that Gray and Chelsea would bond after Chelsea hires Gray as a lawyer to represent her and help her escape legal charges.[70] Upon hearing news that Chelsea and Gray would begin a relationship, Abrahams was worried that her character would die.[71] Abrahams told Inside Soap that "Chelsea has no clue what Gray is really like", adding that Chelsea sees Gray as a "high-flier, doing well for himself".[72][73] Adding that as soon as Chelsea puts her mind to something, "she doesn’t see it going wrong until it’s really gone wrong".[72] Chelsea asking Gray out is "the only way [Chelsea] knows how to ask for help".[72][73] Abrahams said that Chelsea's determination with Gray was because "she thinks he’s a good-looking guy, he’s doing well for himself, so she pursues it. She’s turning it on to get a freebie at first, but then there is actually an attraction, so she goes with it".[72][73] Adding that "there is a spark there, and with that comes a few perks – which makes the attraction stronger".[72] The actress drew parallels between Gray and Chelsea's father Lucas (Don Gilet), as both were killers, saying "It’s an odd thing because her dad Lucas is a murderer, and now she’s dating one, although obviously she doesn’t realise that. But if and when she does find out, I think that would shake anybody".[71] In an interview with Digital Spy, Smith said that while he does believe Gray has feelings for Chelsea, "there's always got to be something in it for Gray".[74][75]

"He’s constantly lying to everyone to keep his family afloat, while concealing all the dreadful things he’s done. Chelsea's fun, and takes his mind off all those things – he just thinks, 'Why not?' Even though he knows what she's after, she's fun to be around. Gray arrogantly believes he is deserving of a bit of fun in his life – and that's what Chelsea represents…"

-Zaraah Abrahams, portrayer of Chelsea, discussing Gray's attraction to Chelsea.[72]

When Gray took Chelsea with him to the birthday party of his boss, Laura Awoyinka (Sarah Paul), she warns Chelsea about Gray, prompting speculation that Laura would be the next character Gray murders, although this never happened.[76] After Chelsea found an earring worn by Tina Carter on the night she died, many viewers became increasingly worried about Chelsea's safety.[77] Abrahams told Inside Soap that she would have "loved" for Chelsea to uncover Gray's secrets and take him down, as long as Chelsea herself didn't face repercussions.[77] Chelsea went on to cheat on Gray after openly rejecting his children.[78] Chelsea wore Chantelle's ring, which angered Gray and caused him to lash out. As a response, Chelsea broke up with Gray.[79][80]

On 5 November 2021, Gray proposed to Chelsea in the wake of discovering she was pregnant, who swiftly accepted after deciding she needs Gray in her life.[81][82] Chelsea's mother Denise (Diane Parish) was strongly against Chelsea marrying Gray, and was announced to become "hellbent" on stopping the upcoming wedding.[82] Gray and Chelsea's wedding was set to be held on Christmas Day 2021.[82] Leading up to the wedding, it was announced that Whitney Dean would try crashing it after finding out about Gray's murders.[83] Abrahams described the upcoming wedding as "classy" and that Chelsea was "feeling organised, focused, and [...] looking forward to it".[83] The actress added that Chelsea had grown to love Gray, dismissing his outbursts as normal and that Chelsea saw Gray as someone who is loyal, hard-working, social, and "someone who is going to be stable in her life".[83] On the wedding day, Chelsea was told by Whitney about Gray killing Chantelle, only for Gray to talk her around and the wedding to proceed.[84][85] After the wedding, Chelsea began to feel sick and was rushed to hospital as she had gone into premature labour.[84][85][86] The marriage turned physically abusive in February 2022 when Gray slammed Chelsea's hand in a drawer, blaming her by calling her clumsy.[87][88]

Departure[edit]

In August 2021, Oates and Sen announced that the show had begun writing Gray's downfall.[89][90] Oates admitted that "Gray's story was always intended to be a longer arc after the death of Chantelle, but even though some of his actions have been extreme, they have always been grounded in the roots of Gray’s character".[89] She added that Gray is "a classic narcissist" as "everything he does is designed to fit a narrative that absolves him from guilt, and paints him out to be a good guy".[89] Oates said that Gray "tells himself that Chantelle died in a terrible accident" and that "Tina had to die so he could be there for his kids" and "Kush had to go, because he and Whitney are 'meant to be'", as Gray believed he was "the centre of his own universe" and "nothing is his fault".[89][90] Teasing the ending to Gray's story, Sen said that the show had begun "building to the kind of culmination of the Gray storyline".[89] He teased that it would go "back to the grass roots of the story" and be a "fascinating turn of events for the Atkins family".[89][90] Sen called Gray's downfall "the next chapter".[90] Oates added that Gray's life would throw him a "curveball" and that "Gray hasn't been as clever as he thinks. Smoking guns are all over the Square, just waiting to be found. Gray's downfall awaits".[89][90] In September, Smith confirmed on Loose Women that Gray's comeuppance was "definitely on the cards" and that he would be "punished in true soap fashion".[91] The actor agreed that Gray "needs to be caught".[91]

In February 2022, it was announced that Gray would meet his comeuppance for his actions in the week beginning with 7 March 2022.[92] The following month, March 2022, full details surrounding Gray's downfall were announced.[93] Smith said in an interview with Zoe Ball that Gray's journey on the show had been "emotional".[94] He said that while filming he became emotional as his journey as Gray had been such a "rollercoaster" and to see it come to an end affected him more than he expected.[94] Smith appeared on The One Show to tease the ending to Gray's story on 7 March 2022.[95] He said he had enjoyed the challenge that came with playing a character as immoral as Gray.[95] The actor believed Gray genuinely thought he could get away with all of his crimes.[74][75] Smith teased that Gray's MO was that he wanted to gain Chelsea's trust and run away with her, even being tempted to tell her about Chantelle to prove he trusts her.[74][75] Gray's final scenes were set to involve "someone" taking revenge on Gray and his eventual arrest after the knowledge of his murders got out.[93][96] In an interview with Digital Spy, Smith said he enjoyed filming Gray's final scenes, teasing that they were "very intense" and "a long time coming".[74][75] When asked to describe Gray's final episode in three words, the actor said they were "intense, thrilling, and satisfying".[95]

Despite speculation that Gray would be killed and be the centre of a whodunit, Gray's final appearance was episode 6649, broadcast 10 March 2022.[97] The episode showcased Gray being confronted by various residents after confessing to the murders of Chantelle, Tina, and Kush.[97][98] After trying to kill Chelsea, Gray considered jumping off the railway bridge, but was told by Whitney that he had to face justice.[97][98] Gray tried jumping regardless, but was stopped by Whitney and Mitch Baker (Roger Griffiths).[97] resulting in his arrest.[97][98] Shortly after Gray's exit aired, Smith was interviewed by Digital Spy on the exit.[99] He believed that Gray's story ended in appropriately as many people wanted justice for Gray's victims, saying "there was no room for him to have an easy way out and it would have been wrong if they'd have done that. I do think, from the audience's perspective, it's a satisfying ending to the storyline".[99] Smith felt that Gray returning in the future was possible, saying "it's EastEnders at the end of the day, so who knows".[99] On 28 March 2022, the show confirmed that Gray pled guilty to his crimes off-screen.[100]

Storylines[edit]

Gray arrives in Albert Square with his wife, Chantelle (Jessica Plummer), and their two children, Mia (Mahalia Malcolm) and Mackenzie (Isaac Lemonius), to start anew together. He is known to be a hard-working solicitor who seems devoted to his wife and their children. However, it soon emerges that Gray is a violent man who domestically abuses Chantelle on a certain amount of occasions; the follow-up of such incident implies that he raped her after forcing her to go upstairs with him to bed. Soon enough, he befriends fellow resident Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty), and they start a romantic friendship together; Gray later legally represents Whitney after she kills her stalker, Leo King (Tom Wells), out of self-defence.

By 2020, Gray's prolonged abuse towards Chantelle has reached boiling point. She eventually decides to leave with their children and her secret crush, Kheerat Panesar (Jaz Deol), to escape her ordeal; however, Gray discovers her plan and confronts Chantelle on the night she is supposed to leave. Chantelle stands up to Gray and demands that he let her leave him, but Gray refuses and accidentally shoves her onto a knife-packed dishwasher in a fit of rage. Chantelle is fatally impaled from the impact and dies from blood loss after Gray, despite his fault, chooses to watch her succumb to her injuries rather than provide help. Gray then stages the scene to make Chantelle's death appear that she died in a horrific accident.[101] Over the next few days, an upset Gray struggles with his guilt and briefly considers turning himself in to the police for his crimes. He even comes close to killing himself and his kids by attempting to fill his flat with gas fumes with his lighter but is stopped by fellow neighbour Shirley Carter (Linda Henry) when she sees him struggling to cope; Shirley manages to convince Gray to move forward with his life and support his kids in Chantelle's honour.

He later grows even closer with Whitney when she becomes his childminder. Shirley later stays with Gray and is joined by her sister Tina Carter (Luisa Bradshaw-White), who grows suspicious of Gray's behaviour. When she is accused of attacking Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) at The Queen Victoria public house, Gray briefly volunteers to represent her in court. However, when she starts telling other people about his aggressive behaviour, Gray deliberately puts Tina in the frame by stopping a pizza delivery man from going to the police with an alibi. He packs Tina's stuff and tells her she needs to run, but her growing suspicions towards him cause Tina to learn that Gray had abused and killed Chantelle. She attempts to leave and expose him to the Square, but Gray stops her and strangles her to death. He then dumps her body and tells Shirley, along with her son Mick Carter (Danny Dyer), that Tina has gone on the run. When Shirley grows suspicious of Gray over the circumstances behind Tina's whereabouts, he pays a homeless woman to shoplift and pretend to be Tina.

In 2021, Gray becomes increasingly obsessed with Whitney and is jealous when she forms a relationship with her boyfriend, Kush Kazemi (Davood Ghadami); his envy grows when Whitney becomes engaged to Kush. Soon enough, Gray gets involved in Kush's situation with the square's reigning hardman/criminal kingpin Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) and his son Ben (Max Bowden) - as Kush had helped the Mitchells and Shirley perpetuate a car robbery several months ago. Kush grasses up the Mitchells in exchange for his freedom and plans to run away with Whitney, but Gray confronts Kush at the train station about stealing Whitney away from him. Gray accuses Kush of ruining Whitney's life, leading to a scuffle which results in Gray falling on the tracks. Kush frantically pulls Gray up to safety just in time, but then Gray thereupon pushes Kush in front of the oncoming train - killing him as a result. Gray then flees the station and looks to have gotten away with murder again once Kush's death becomes public knowledge by the next day. Whitney assumes Phil and Ben had Kush killed for grassing them up and accidentally runs over Phil's romantic partner Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) with Gray's car in an attempt to attack Phil and Ben for their supposed actions. Gray manages to keep Whitney from getting into trouble but later cuts ties with her in a furious outburst.

In 2022, Gray starts a relationship with Whitney's friend, Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams). Later on, he gets reacquainted with his estranged boss, Laura Awoyinka (Sarah Paul), who seems to dislike Gray and warns Chelsea about him later on. When Gray learns what Laura is doing, he retaliates by sending her messages under the pseudonym Jasper. He later gets a police caution for public indecency with Chelsea and, due to this, along with the online messages, he gets fired from the solicitor firm. Chelsea also breaks up with Gray after he rages at her for inadvertently buying Chantelle's ring from a pawn shop. Weeks later, Gray informs Shirley and Mick that he saw Tina being bundled onto a bus. He texts Shirley from a burner phone, pretending to be Tina and telling her to send him £10,000, as he is in financial ruin after losing his job. When Phil gets arrested for the attack on Ian later, Gray visits Ben and offers to represent Phil. The Mitchells agree to Gray's help, and he manages to get Phil released, much to Shirley's outrage as she assumes that Phil is responsible for Tina's situation; she later confronts Gray for helping the Mitchells before going on to attack Phil with a baseball bat when wanting answers about Tina. Sometime later, Gray woos Chelsea into reconciling with him, and they eventually get engaged. But then Whitney finds a secret online forum that Chantelle made against her husband over his abusive nature, which causes Whitney to conclude that Gray had been abusing Chantelle for months before he ended up killing her on the night of her death. She tells Kheerat about this, and they plan to stop Chelsea from marrying Gray, but this fails, and the pair get married; however, Chelsea later discovers the forum that causes her to know what Gray did to Chantelle.

In 2022, Chelsea's plan to escape Gray fails when she gets pregnant with their child and gives birth; the child is named Jordan, and she agrees to let Gray help raise her baby but assures Whitney that she still intends to bring him to justice for what happened to Chantelle. In March, Kheerat attempts to get a confession from Gray over Chantelle. But he fails when Gray attacks Kheerat; they fight, and Kheerat knocks Gray unconscious before going on the run. A few days later, Tina's body is uncovered, and both Shirley and Mick are devastated when the police inform them of the tragedy. When Whitney learns about Tina's death, she speculates that Gray killed her and informs both Mick and Shirley of her theory; the two agree over this not only due to their suspicions of Gray but also when Whitney explains her other theory that Gray had abused and killed Chantelle. It is then Chantelle's parents, Karen Taylor (Lorraine Stanley) and Mitch Baker (Roger Griffiths), learn about Tina's death and all the accusations against Gray. The couple each has different responses as Karen instantly believes Gray, whereas Mitch knows he is guilty when Whitney tells him the truth about Chantelle.

Upon learning that Tina's body has been found and that her death is confirmed, Gray begins to fear that his arrest is inevitable; he plans to escape with his children and Chelsea, along with Jordan. He manages to trick Karen into believing his innocence and keeping Jordan hidden at her house. But when Chelsea confronts him that night, Gray admits to killing Chantelle. She seemingly decides to run away with him anyway, but Gray realizes that Chelsea has recorded her confession to the police. He promptly attacks Chelsea and nearly chokes her to death, but she fends him off, and he flees when the police break into his house. Gray goes to collect his children from Karen, but her growing suspicions lead him to admit what he did to Chantelle. She disowns Gray, as do his children, and he is forced to abandon them when Karen alerts the police of his presence. Gray then runs into The Vic, where both Shirley and Mick attack him in revenge for Tina's murder. Shirley attempts to strangle Gray to death when Mick stops her, insisting that Gray needs to face justice for his crimes. Gray uses the opportunity to distract the two, knocking Shirley unconscious and forcing Mick to let him flee to help his mother.

Moments later, Gray is spotted by Whitney. She chases him to a railway bridge, and they end up having a verbal confrontation when she confronts him. Gray attempts to dismiss Whitney's views on his character by insulting her, but she ignores him with persistence that he will go to prison for killing both Chantelle and Tina. Not wanting to go to prison, Gray attempts suicide. Whitney stops him, and is determined not to see him take the easy way out. He tries to goad Whitney into letting him go by confessing to Kush's murder. Whitney is horrified but is unfazed as she struggles to keep hold of Gray when he threatens to take her to her death with him. Whitney nearly loses her grip, but then Mitch intervenes and helps Whitney force Gray up to safety; Mitch thereupon grabs Gray, determined to hurt him to avenge Chantelle's death, but instead allows the police to apprehend him. In the end, Gray gets arrested for his crimes, and he is taken into a police car and sent to prison.

Reception[edit]

Angie Quinn of MyLondon called Gray's various attacks on Chantelle "devistating" to watch.[10] The storyline with Chantelle was called "powerful" by Justin Harp of Digital Spy.[102] Smith said that sometimes when he was approached and asked if he was Gray, he would get "a bit of a look", adding that it was "worth it" if the representation got someone out of an abusive relationship.[102] Smith said on Loose Women that people struggled to differenciate him from his character "for a while".[27] He also noted that people were comparing the storyline to the 2001 domestic abuse storyline between Trevor Morgan (Alex Ferns) and Little Mo Slater (Kacey Ainsworth).[102] Fiona Sturges of The Independent praised EastEnders for featuring a domestic abuse storyline, further praising Gray's different approach to abuse from Trevor, writing "Where Trevor was the archetypal bad guy, a snarling, hard-drinking bully, Gray is, on the surface, gentle and charismatic, reflecting the fact that abusers will often go to great lengths to charm those around them, and to discredit and undermine those they hurt".[103] Fans sang praises to Smith and Plummer for their performances on Twitter.[104]

Duncan Lindsay of Metro described Gray as "sick".[37] Gray was often described by tabloids as "evil".[105][28] Smith was subjected to social media bullying across his whole tenure as Gray and often had abuse shouted at him in the street from viewers who couldn't separate him from his character.[95][105] When asked about the fan reaction to Gray's storylines, Smith said that he found it interesting how at first people struggled to differentiate him from his character, especially during the abuse storyline with Chantelle, when it peaked.[74][75] A scene where Gray gave Whitney a dress that belonged to Chantelle after he killed her reportedly left fans "disgusted".[106] McGarty said that people in public would often tell her to "stay away from Gray" during her character's involvement with him.[61]

The scene where Gray kills Kush received 106 viewer complaints due to "horrifying scenes".[107] The topic of the complaints was listed as "violence".[108] The decision for Gray to kill Kush was criticised by Calli Kitson of Metro, calling it a "complete mistake" as it required Kush's gambling story to be dropped.[109] Louise Griffin of Metro described the scene as a "shock".[108] Fans were reportedly "devastated" by Kush's exit as the character was considered a fan favourite.[48] Many voiced their criticisms on Twitter about the death being overly and/or unnecessarily gruesome.[48] Some criticised the plot device of CCTV cameras malfunctioning, believing it was too convenient to be plausible.[110] Fans were reportedly "stunned" by the scene where Whitney accuses Gray of killing Kush, praising Whitney's character in the scene.[49]

Gray and Chelsea's first kiss was dubbed "the kiss of death" as fans predicted Gray would murder Chelsea.[111] Stephen Patterson of Metro described Gray as a "master manipulator" and "vile".[84] Quinn said viewers expressed their "anguish" at Chelsea growing closer to Gray and predicted she would be his next victim.[112] The amount of time it took for Kheerat and Whitney to report Gray to the authorities was criticized by audiences, a sentiment echoed by McGarty who said "maybe they should have gone to the police sooner, but then it wouldn't be EastEnders".[113] Upon Gray's exit, Sophie Dainty of Digital Spy called Gray a "nimble narcissist".[98] Dainty praised Gray's final episode, calling it a "satisfying end to a story that may have divided the audience".[98] She added that "Gray is gone but is unlikely to be forgotten any time soon".[98]

Smith won various awards and nominations for his portrayal of Gray. At the 2019 I Talk Telly Awards, he was nominated for "Best Soap Newcomer", losing to Max Bowden (Ben Mitchell, EastEnders).[114][115] Smith and Plummer were nominated for "Best Soap Partnership" at the 2020 I Talk Telly Awards, but lost to Ian Bartholomew and Shelley King (Geoff Metcalfe and Yasmeen Nazir, Coronation Street).[116][117] Smith was shortlisted for "Best Villain" at the 2020 Inside Soap Awards.[118] Smith won "Best Villain" at the 2021 Version Soap Awards.[119] The scene where Gray kills Chantelle was nominated for "Must-See Moment" at the 2021 British Academy Television Awards, but lost to Diversity's Britain's Got Talent performance based on the events of 2020.[120] He was nominated for "Best Villain" at the 2021 Inside Soap Awards, losing to Paige Sandhu (Meena Jutla, Emmerdale).[121][122] He was nominated at the following 2022 Inside Soap Awards, again losing to Sandhu.[123][124] He was nominated for "Villain of the Year" at the 2022 British Soap Awards, losing to Maximus Evans (Corey Brent, Coronation Street).[125][126]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

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