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The discovery of the most refreshing LGBTQ+ EastEnders character as a rapist is heartbreaking.

It’s really difficult to find a realistic LGBTQ+ character in a soap opera that isn’t continually soaked in grief and strife. Coming out stories and depictions of the problems many people have in coming to terms with their own identity are a big element of regular theatre, especially for younger audiences. Syed Masood, who struggled …

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4 weeks ago

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It’s really difficult to find a realistic LGBTQ+ character in a soap opera that isn’t continually soaked in grief and strife.

Coming out stories and depictions of the problems many people have in coming to terms with their own identity are a big element of regular theatre, especially for younger audiences.

Syed Masood, who struggled to fit into the accepted norms of both generic and frequently homophobic society and his religion, is a good example of how EastEnders has handled it in the past.

This story was handled with amazing emotion over a long period of time but still allowed for the heightened drama that one would expect from a soap.

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So, before I go into this viewpoint, which is shared by others in the community, I’d like to reiterate my belief that soap operas should continue to highlight the difficulties of coming out, as well as the abuse and violence that gay, bisexual, transgender and other marginalized identities face in their daily lives.

However, there is an uncomfortably lopsided balance in favor of depicting the gloom of sexuality difficulties — and it is always vital to portray the opposite.

That LGBTQ+ people can be happy, funny, comfortable in their identity and confidence.

The attack on Callum Highway (Tony Clay) by homophobic abusers, and Ben Mitchell’s (Max Bowden) justifiable reaction to it, has been at the centre of the show since the beginning of the year. And it’s critical to demonstrate this because LGBTQ+ individuals are always vulnerable in the face of prejudiced attacks.

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Take a step forwards. Lewis (Aidan O’Callaghan), an instantly charming and agreeable guy whose first appearances involved him involving Callum in an LGBTQ+ positive and awareness campaign.

Since then, he’s become friends with Ben, even lending him an alibi, and viewers were glad to see a character who had overcome adversity and defied the stereotype that all homosexual characters are crucial to drama based simply on their sexuality.

He represents optimism and the idea that one is not defined by their sexuality but may be a fun-loving character without any chains to those who relate to the more difficult aspects of the trip.

And he is refreshing and reassuring to homosexual men who are at ease and content with their life.

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He appeared to be the most genuine gay character in years, not beset by unhappiness. The reception was immediately positive because he was well-liked.

Then he announced that he was going to rape Ben, crushing the community’s hopes of a positive response once more.

I get it, I truly do — sex offenders are frequently cunning, charming, and monsters disguised as humans.

This has remained consistent throughout and is widely recognized as true — a notable example being Ben’s own mother Kathy (Gillian Taylforth) being raped at the Dagmar bar by her boss James Willmott-Brown, whom she had previously liked and worked well with.

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Which was chillingly on the same site which is now occupied by the gay bar Prince Albert – where Lewis works.

While this may be acknowledged, I sincerely hope this isn’t viewed as trivia, but that’s a different matter altogether.

I have no doubt that Ben’s rape tale will be strong, and I know for a fact that the whole crew behind the play, from writing and production to the cast, has done extensive research.

The male postpartum depression narrative involving Stuart Highway (Ricky Champ) has just been announced on EastEnders, which is known for taking on difficult subjects. Last year, one of their most compelling themes was Mick Carter’s (Danny Dyer) history abuse by gaslighting Katy Lewis (Simone Lahbib).

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It’s not the story that troubles me; I believe it will be compelling and well-executed. While Max and Tony are excellent actors, as is Aidan, and while Ben is perhaps a little too obsessed with sorrow porn, the film should have a comparable impact to David Platt’s rape story in Coronation Street, which resulted in a 1000 percent increase in calls to charities following its broadcast.

That’s not the problem.

However, there must be a balance besides stories like this. In EastEnders, there must be daily folks that happen to be gay, bi, or trans.

Those who are comfortable with their sexuality and are not obsessed by abuse, violence, or aggressiveness are needed.

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It’s painful to watch the one figure who seemed poised to defy the norm revealed to be a rapist.

Surely there had to be another way.

Characters like Mila and Iqra have recently left the show, and depictions of the expected variety of an East End community have been a little more missing, despite their storyline-related absences.

Before the rape of a gay man by another made headlines, it was hoped that newcomers would be brought in to help balance things out.

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After teasing us about having a refreshing character, Lewis now has a shelf life and has been effectively written out.

Following the storyline, which I reserve judgment on but believe has the potential to be seriously strong if handled appropriately, I hope the focus moves to new character groups with varied personalities and purposes, bridging the gap slightly.

We anticipate significant drama, sorrow, and more for every single character, regardless of sexuality. This is soap, after all. I don’t agree that LGBTQ+ characters should not be integral to this — if anything, excluding them from the soap format is more destructive than beneficial.

But, no matter what the character goes through in the soap, there might be pure and relatable hearts and personalities at the center of the character.

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We don’t currently have enough of that.

So for the community who loves EastEnders, the glimmer of optimism that Lewis would break the mold to be immediately extinguished for as dark as dark can be is downright disheartening.

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Eastenders

EastEnders Avani star Aaliyah James’ life off-screen including actress’ real age

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2 days ago

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March 24, 2025

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EastEnders character Avani Nandra-Hart, introduced as the secret daughter of Ravi Gulati, is about to be caught up in a major new storyline in upcoming episodes of the BBC soap.

EastEnders’ Aaliyah James made her debut as Avani Nandra-Hart in 2023 and is set to play a central role in a thrilling new storyline this week.

The newcomer, who portrays Ravi Gulati’s (Aaron Thiara) secret daughter, is about to find herself in serious trouble with the law in the upcoming episodes.

Avani’s day takes a dramatic turn when she skips school with Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd) and Lily Slater (Lillia Turner), only to cross paths with the shady Marvin, who’s carrying drugs.

When the police arrive, they find Marvin’s dropped stash of pills and take the girls to the station for questioning.

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Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) and Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) rush to the station to pick up their children, but there’s no one available to answer Avani’s phone, reports Plymouth Live.

Things take a dark turn as the police demand a strip search to see if Avani is concealing any additional drugs.

Her family becomes frantic upon seeing Avani fall apart, and instead of returning to her father Ravi’s (Aaron Thiara) place, she runs off to the playground to take a drink of vodka.

Chaos erupts when Avani’s parents realize she’s gone missing, and they’re shocked to discover her unconscious in the playground.

Off-screen, actress Aaliyah, who is actually 24, has had some fun with the age gap between herself and her character. She joked on Instagram: “Guys… I’m now 15… I mean 24 years old.”

Aaliyah, landing her first significant acting role, has joined the esteemed cast of EastEnders. Prior to this breakthrough, she had a small role as a train passenger in the 2022 BBC One crime drama Inside Man, which featured notable stars such as David Tennant, Dolly Wells, and Stanley Tucci.

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Aaliyah shared her appreciation for the role, stating, “Being given this chance as my official screen debut is truly a blessing.”

She also expressed how welcomed she felt, saying, “The support from the cast and crew has made me feel at home, and I’m so grateful to already be a part of the EastEnders family.”

Excited to embrace her new role, she added, “I’m eager to bring Avani to life and explore her journey in Walford, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for me.”

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Eastenders

Ronnie O’Sullivan ex Laila Rouass breaks silence on split after decade together

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2 days ago

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March 24, 2025

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Actress Laila Rouass has spoken out about her split from snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan after 13 years together, just days after the couple sparked rumors of a possible reunion.

The Mariposa Ball and Awards isn’t just a glamorous evening; it also supports a cause with significant meaning, according to OK!

The charity behind the event, Mariposa International, was founded by Andy Clark-Coates and his wife Zoe Clark-Coates MBE, providing support to families affected by baby loss. This elegant ball brings together celebrities and supporters in a show of solidarity and remembrance for those who have endured the heartbreaking loss of a child during pregnancy, at birth, or in infancy.

Emotional conversations surrounding baby loss and infertility took center stage as hosts Briony May Williams from The Great British Bake Off and Sky Sports anchor James Green guided the evening at the gala. A particularly moving moment came from Laila herself, who opened up about her personal experience with baby loss, which deeply resonated with those in attendance.

“If you can give time and money to causes you believe in, it creates a support system for those who need it,” the former EastEnders star shared with us.

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Laila shared her personal tragedy – the loss of her newborn niece, her brother’s little girl, just a week after she was born – a heartbreaking event that has profoundly shaped her understanding of the importance of charity events. “It can feel very lonely. But tonight is about reminding people that they’re not alone,” she explained.

For this east London creative, who had the privilege of presenting the Employer of the Year award, supporting loved ones in times of sorrow means offering help in any way you can.

“When my niece passed away, I was at the hospital every day. Emotional and practical support is key – cooking or cleaning, so they have a clean home to come back to. A week after my niece died, I went with my brother to return all the things he had bought, like prams, cots, and sterilisers. It was so sad.”

At 53, Laila also addressed breaking the silence around baby loss and infertility. “The more we talk about it, the more normal it becomes – because it is normal. I have friends who have had babies through surrogacy, IVF, and adoption. We need to discuss all of it so that people feel supported in their journey.”

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Eastenders

EastEnders actors shocked after finding out they’re secretly related after meeting on set

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4 days ago

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March 22, 2025

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EastEnders fans were shocked to learn that Jay Brown actor Jamie Borthwick is actually related to a former co-star – and it turns out neither of them were aware of it.

EastEnders fans were astonished to find out that Jamie Borthwick, who plays Jay Brown, is actually related to another cast member – a revelation that was new to Jamie as well.

Jamie rose to fame with his role as Jay on the BBC One soap, making his debut in 2006. It wasn’t long before he became one of the show’s most beloved and iconic characters.

His character has been involved in many significant storylines, ranging from shocking affairs and struggles with substance abuse to covering up a murder and uncovering the truth about his past. Jay’s time in Walford has been full of intense drama.

More recently, Jay has been grappling with the heartbreaking loss of his wife, Lola (Danielle Harold), who tragically passed away from a brain tumour in 2023.

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Off-screen, fans were shocked to learn that Jamie has a family connection with a fellow co-star. What made it even more surprising was that Jamie himself wasn’t aware of this relationship, according to Plymouth Live.

In 2021, Jamie shared that he only discovered he was related to co-star Charlie Winter after Charlie joined the EastEnders cast.

He recalled: “My great uncle is named Charlie Winter, so when I heard there was a character coming in called Charlie Winter, I thought, ‘No way!’” Jamie then did some research and confirmed his intuition was spot on. He shared: “It turns out we’re second cousins.”

Charlie joined EastEnders in 2018, portraying Mel Owen’s (Tamzin Outhwaite) son, Hunter. However, his character was written out the following year after a storyline where he shot Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) in the Queen Vic.

One shocked fan commented on an EastEnders Facebook page after learning Jamie and Charlie are related: “I would never have guessed they were related, to be honest.”

Another fan expressed their surprise, saying: “No way, I remember the other guy from EastEnders.” A third added with some admiration, “That’s pretty cool, to be fair.”

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