The Soap Years

Lockdown’s made Chantelle realise she must escape her abusive husband, says Eastenders’ Jessica Plummer

The storylines time will never forget

Coming out of lockdown will be the spark for beleaguered Chantelle to start divorce proceedings against her abusive husband Gray in Eastenders, and attempt do a runner with their kids.

Chantelle has been forced to spend months at home with Gray and two children, which has been written into the storyline after production was halted in spring due to coronavirus. It has made her realise the solicitor will not alter his ways, and as Eastenders returns to our screens this week she will seek out a divorce lawyer and make plans to flee Walford.

‘Chantelle is all about keeping up appearances,’ says Jessica Plummer, 27, who plays her. ‘But because she was able to drop the pretence during lockdown, it made her realise nothing was going to change. It was her “penny drop” moment. She saw Gray for who he was. He wasn’t as physical with her, as the kids were around, but he was mentally controlling.’

Unfortunately, divorce lawyers are expensive, so Chantelle will turn to her boss Kheerat for help – unaware that he has financial issues of his own – in a move that will increase the strength of feeling between them.

‘Chantelle sees Kheerat as somebody she trusts, and sometimes it’s easier to trust a stranger because there’s less to judge. Chantelle feels safe with him and is starting to have feelings for him,’ says Jessica.

But with Gray still exerting control over Chantelle by monitoring her internet activity and spending, will she be able to action her plan, particularly after he spots an advert for divorce lawyers on his laptop? ‘You’ll have to watch,’ teases Jessica.

Jessica started her career in pop group Neon Jungle, and performed alongside Taylor Swift. When the

group split in 2015, she focused on acting, starring with Nicole Kidman in 2017 rom-com How To Talk To Girls At Parties, before landing EastEnders in spring 2019. ‘I love singing but never saw myself as good enough,’ she says. ‘I feel acting’s in my blood.’

Jessica has a four-year-old daughter, Noa, and says, ‘I didn’t want anything to take me too far from her. I told a friend my dream job would be Eastenders; I could film not far from home and be with her every night. A month later I had the audition and got

it!’ She adds that her first year has surpassed all expectation. ‘Not only am I on a show I grew up watching, but I play such an awesome role.’

Of her abuse storyline, Jessica says, ‘I feel such a sense of responsibility to execute it properly. People who are going through a similar situation to Chantelle approach me on the street to thank me. It’s amazing to know I play a small part in potentially helping people. It’s an honour and I feel really proud.’ ■