RETURN TO ENDERS
EASTENDERS finally our screens last night three months off air.
Filming had been paused due to coronavirus restrictions but resumed at the end of June.
The new episodes were filmed with cast and crew maintaining social distancing measures.
Special screens, body doubles and computer- generated imagery were used to film intimate moments.
Chantelle Atkins’s domestic abuse storyline took centre stage as the returned to after nearly
BBC soap returned. Viewers saw the harrowing mental and physical ordeal suffered by Chantelle ( played by Jessica Plummer) at the hands of her violent and controlling husband Gray ( Toby- Alexander Smith).
The episode showed how the abuse had worsened throughout lockdown.
EastEnders worked closely with charities Women’s Aid and Refuge on the storyline, saying the prevalence of domestic abuse meant it was vital to represent the issue accurately as possible.
Executive producer Jon Sen said: “Chantelle’s story is such an important one to tell accurately.
“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.
“Hopefully Chantelle’s story will encourage people to speak out to someone they trust and get the support that they need.
“Jessica’s performance short of extraordinary.”
Jessica said: “It’s been such a privilege to play Chantelle and to be able to tell her story.
“Sadly what she goes through is all too common.”
Meanwhile, fellow EastEnder Maisie Smith, 19, looked sensational as she limbered up for Strictly in a series of Instagram snaps.
The star, who plays Tiffany Butcher, teed off in skin- tight hotpants and a silver tiara during a recent day
out golfing. is nothing