EastEnders spoilers follow from Monday's first episode (29 June), which is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer but hasn't aired on TV yet.
EastEnders has hinted at the future of Gray Atkins' return storyline, after Toby-Alexander Smith reprised the role of the sinister villain in tonight's episode. The serial killer is currently serving a life sentence in prison for a string of murders, starting with his then-wife Chantelle Atkins in 2020.
Gray was eventually caught and incarcerated in 2022, following the murders of Kush Kazemi and Tina Carter, but not before he married Chelsea Fox and the couple welcomed son Jordan.
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Tonight saw Gray receiving a visit in prison by his grandmother Sheila, who has been offering to support Chelsea and Jordan financially after an accident with Ian Beale left Jordan needing round-the-clock care.
Sheila told Gray that she wanted him to try and get through to Chelsea and ensure she has access to her great-grandson.
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Following his return, the soap teased the storyline's upcoming direction, saying: "Whilst his motives are currently unknown, it’s safe to say that even from afar, Gray will do his best to inflict chaos on those that used to be closest to him…"
Smith said of his return: "It’s been very surreal returning to EastEnders and stepping back into Gray’s shoes. He’s one of the most complex characters I’ve had the opportunity to play and revisiting him after several years has been an exciting challenge to get my teeth into.
"Exploring who Gray is now has been, fascinating, and I’m excited for the audience to see this version of him and watch the storyline play out."
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Executive producer Ben Wadey added: "We’re delighted to welcome Toby-Alexander Smith back to the role of Gray Atkins. Although his character remains in prison, it will soon become apparent to viewers that Gray’s physical separation from Walford is no match for his levels of manipulation."
In recent weeks, Sheila told Chelsea she was no longer in contact with Gray. Though Chelsea accepted Sheila's money, she soon began to regret her decision when Sheila turned up on the Square and met Jordan.
EastEnders airs on Mondays-Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.
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