EastEnders return: Chantelle domestic abuse storyline to have tragic ending as soap returns to BBC1

Show’s writers worked with domestic abuse charities to make the story as accurate as possible

A domestic abuse storyline on EastEnders will have a tragic end, it has been revealed, as the popular soap returns to TV screens this week. 

Filming had previously been paused due to Covid-19 restrictions, but resumed at the end of June. 

Cast and crew practised social distancing with the use of screens, body doubles, and CGI to film intimate moments. 

As the soap returns, character Chantelle Atkins (Jessica Plummer) will meet a tragic end as viewers see how the mental and physical abuse she has suffered at the hands of her husband, Gray (Toby Alexander-Smith), has worsened during lockdown. 

EastEnders has been working closely with charities Women’s Aid and Refuge on the unfolding plot. Representatives for the soap explain that the prevalence of domestic abuse meant it was important to represent the real-life issue as accurately as possible. 

In the first week of July after lockdown restrictions lifted, Refuge reported a 54 per cent rise in women contacting its helpline to seek emergency accommodation.

Calls and messages also soared amid the pandemic, while Women’s Aid said that two thirds of survivors reported their domestic abuse escalating during lockdown. 

Chantelle, who has been isolating with her husband, will be shown making the decision to file for divorce, but is discovered and murdered by her abuser. 

Jon Sen, executive producer of the soap, said: “Chantelle's story is such an important one to tell accurately and upon both characters' inception we planned her tragic ending with the intention of embedding the stark reality of domestic abuse at the heart of the Atkins family.

“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."

Sen praised Plummer for her performance, which he said has been “nothing short of extraordinary”. 

“Even in her final scenes, the audience will be moved by Chantelle's strength," he said. "We're very sorry so see Jessica go but hope that her impact on viewers is long-lasting.”

Plummer said it had been a “privilege” to play Chantelle and to be able to tell a story that affects millions of people in the UK. 

“Sadly what she goes through is all too common and her death is a reminder of the devastating effect of domestic abuse," Plummer said.

“I've known it wasn't going to end well for Chantelle for a while now and although it was a shock to find out her fate, far too many men and women suffer in silence so I hope that by raising awareness we can ultimately save lives."

“I am so grateful to all the team and my lovely cast members for being so supportive, I'll miss Albert Square!”

Chantelle’s final scenes will air this month. EastEnders returns to BBC1 tonight (7 September) at 8.05pm and will air four nights a week.

Additional reporting by Press Association

If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic abuse, you can seek confidential support and advice on the free 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline, 0808 2000 247