This article contains references to sexual assault and domestic violence that some readers may find distressing.
Gray Atkins (Toby-Alexander Smith) has made a surprise return to EastEnders after 4 years away.
The villainous solicitor was responsible for the deaths of three residents during his reign of terror, which began in 2020, and was finally imprisoned after pleading guilty to his crimes.
Radio Times revealed Smith’s comeback in May, though explained that his scenes would be confined to a cell and visiting room of a prison due to Gray being held at His Majesty’s Pleasure.
At the time it was unclear how the storyline would facilitate his return, but just weeks later, Jordan (Jahsaiah Williams) – the son he had with Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams) – was hit by Ian Beale’s (Adam Woodyatt) car.
Toby-Alexander Smith as Gray Atkins in EastEnders. BBC
The youngster now needs intensive rehabilitation, and there are fears that he may never walk again. It comes at a horrific time for the Fox family, with matriarch Denise (Diane Parish) being diagnosed with an aggressive form of blood cancer on the same day.
Chelsea’s sister Libby (Belinda Owusu) came back to Albert Square to support her family, and soon discovered that there were fears regarding how Jordan’s care would be funded.
She also learnt that Gray’s grandmother, Sheila Atkins (Sheila Ruskin) had been sending Chelsea cheques for years, but these had gone uncashed. Libby urged her sibling to meet with Sheila, and accept her help.
Although things got off to an awkward start, and Chelsea decided not to accept her money for fears of having to introduce her to Jordan, she was satisfied by her explanation that she’d been long estranged from Gray and there would be no interference.
It soon transpired that Sheila kept a photograph of her grandson in her purse, suggesting that they’re still in touch.
In the first scene of today’s episode, we saw a dishevelled Gray alone in his cell.
Meanwhile, Chelsea was still worried about financing Jordan’s care, and felt burdened by the fact the rest of her family had no idea that Sheila was supporting them.
Jahsaiah Williams as Jordan Fox, Belinda Owusu as Libby Fox, Sheila Ruskin as Sheila and Zaraah Abrahams as Chelsea Fox in EastEnders. BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron
She also worried about what they might think if she learnt that Sheila had been visiting Jordan, but not divulging her true identity.
Outside in the Square, the women bumped into Sheila and reluctantly let her into No. 20. They were keen for nobody to find out, but Kim Fox (Tameka Empson) questioned who she was. Thinking on their feet, Chelsea and Libby said that she was a support worker.
Beginning to question whether Sheila actually was working with Gray to gain access to Jordan, Chelsea asked her to leave.
Later that day, in the prison visiting room, Sheila met with Gray. She explained everything that had happened, and that she now needed his help to ensure that she could remain in contact with Jordan.
Will Chelsea realise before it’s too late?
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