Gray Atkins (Toby-Alexander Smith) was left fighting for his life in EastEnders after a prison showdown with Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt). The incident unfolded after Ian, currently serving an eight-month sentence for unknowingly knocking down Jordan Fox (Jahsaiah Williams) while over the limit, discovered that Gray, Jordan’s serial killer father, was a fellow inmate.
Gray’s Manipulation and the Kidnap Plot
Determined to worm his way into Jordan’s life, Gray manipulated Ian into believing he wouldn’t survive his sentence unscathed. Desperate, Ian begged for Gray’s protection, which Gray offered in exchange for Ian organising a visit with Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams). Ian complied, and Chelsea was horrified to come face-to-face with Gray. The bigger shock came when she uncovered Gray’s twisted plan to have his nan Sheila (Sheila Ruskin) kidnap Jordan and take him out of the country. With assistance from Denise (Diane Parish) and Kim (Tameka Empson), Sheila’s plot was foiled.
The Stabbing and Its Aftermath
Gray, irate in the aftermath, took his frustrations out on Ian, believing Ian had tipped Chelsea off about where Sheila was taking Jordan – but this wasn’t true. Fearing for his life, Ian reached for the bladed weapon Gray had provided him with earlier in the week, only to discover it had vanished – Gray held it. Ian desperately tried to talk Gray out of doing anything rash. Gray put the blade down and spoke about missing out on being a dad to Jordan. When Ian spotted a chance, he attempted to grab the item, and a struggle ensued, with Gray getting stabbed. Ian called for help as Gray told him to tell Jordan he loves him. Ian was apprehended and feared what his future might look like if Gray doesn’t pull through, assuring authorities it was an accident.
Chelsea’s Confrontation and Ian’s Uncertain Future
Back on the Square, Chelsea got wind of what happened and paid Gray a visit in the hospital, branding him a ‘controlling bully’, making it clear she isn’t afraid of him any more. ‘Didn’t win Gray’, she said, walking away from the twisted killer. Is this the end for Gray? And has the incident impacted on Ian’s future? We know he’s out of jail come New Year’s Day thanks to the flashforward episode, but just how much longer will he be forced to spend behind bars? EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or streams from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
