AFTER his secrets finally came to light, Gray Atkins left a hole in the heart of Walford.
Coming up in EastEnders, residents struggle to recover from the recent events leading to his demise. Here’s what you need to know about this week’s drama.
1. Walford is rocked by Gray’s downfall
Successful lawyer and stern widower Gray (Toby-Alexander Smith) was finally caught up by the truth in recent instalments of the BBC One soap.
His secrets began to unravel after Tina Carter’s body was found in the Argee Bhajee.
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This ultimately led to his dramatic demise, which has left every resident in the Square reeling from the truth.
This week, the events are still fresh on everyone’s minds as Gray is still remembered as the helpful neighbour who was always ready to put his lawyer skills to good use.
Bur after finding out he was actually responsible for his first wife Chantelle’s death, the Baker family remains the most impacted.
Chantelle’s parents find it particularly hard to come to terms with the truth.
This eventually creates a rift within their family.
2. Karen struggles to cope
The late hairdresser’s mother – portrayed by Lorraine Stanley – is considerably thrown and leaves her son Keegan (Zack Morris) to support the family.
She is later reminded that her grandson Mack will be blowing out his candles for his birthday and Keegan is adamant on celebrating.
The time then comes for Mack and his sister Mia to be told the truth about their father Gray.
But as Karen, Keegan and Mitch (Roger Griffiths) take the bull by the horns, it all becomes too much and Karen rushes out of the room.
Keegan has no choice but to step in and get on with it.
Unfortunately for Mitch, it sets in that he couldn’t have done anything to protect his daughter and he lashes out at Karen.
Karen is blamed for not noticing the signs but she soon retaliates by kicking Mitch out.
3. Keegan gets into an explosive row
The pressure gets too hard to handle for Keegan.
Left alone to support his family, Keegan puts on a brave face despite Vinny Panesar boasting about how his brother Kheerat was trying to help Chantelle leave Gray behind.
Keegan feels guilty but holds it together to tell Mia and Mack the truth about their father.
Although he is determined to help his family, Keegan is struggling with guilt and grief behind closed doors.
Unaware of this, Bailey asks him to stop Karen from kicking Mitch out after an insensitive comment.
Eventually, Keegan is overwhelmed and lashes out at Karen.
The pair get into a huge argument about everything that’s happened and the row has devastating consequences.
4. Martin avenges Kush
During his downfall, and as he tried to end his own life, Gray taunted Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) and told her he killed her fiancé Kush.
Reeling from the shock of the news, Whitney shares everything she knows with the Slaters – just as Martin (played by James Bye) walks in.
Although it was rocked by many dramatic storylines and explosive fights, both Kush (portrayed by Holby City star Davood Ghadami) and Martin shared a friendship.
News that Kush was actually murdered by Gray considerably shock Martin and, soon, he decides to get avenge his friend.
Later on, as Denise Fox (Diane Parish) and Patrick Trueman (Rudolph Walker) share their own shock after Gray’s downfall, Martin is seen throwing bricks through Chelsea’s window.
Dlinded with rage, the market trader is adamant on making Chelsea pay for Kush’s murder… until Whitney intervenes.
But can she make him see sense before he does something he regrets?
5. Lily makes a horrifying discovery
As Albert Square residents continue to process the news of Gray’s downfall, Tommy Moon (Sonny Kendall) struggles with his bullies.
While in school, Lily (played by Lillia Turner) is worried when she sees Tommy is still being taunted by his bullies.
But her worry turns to shock when she cleans up and finds something incredibly troubling in the boy’s bag.
What will she do?
6. Janine comforts Mick
Over at the Carters, Mick (Danny Dyer) is drained from recent events which saw his mother Shirley (Linda Henry) fighting for her life after a brutal showdown with Gray.
This week, he also gets details of Tina’s murder.
But he can thankfully count on Janine Butcher’s (Charlie Brooks) unwavering support.
Usually known for being a cold-hearted villain, Janine takes Mick away from the Square to give him some time to reflect.
Janine has had her sights on Mick for several months.
Could both characters get closer as Mick’s estranged wife is set to return to the Square?
7. Tiffany comes back
Speaking of returns, fan favourite Maisie Smith will be reprising the role of Tiffany Butcher while Keegan fails to hold it together.
Actor Zack Morris will be leaving the long-running soap amid the aftermath of Gray’s confession.
Maisie will be seeing him off in a brand new exit storyline.
Following his fight with his mother Karen, Keegan then realises that he could be in serious trouble for his actions.
But the surprise return of his estranged wife Tiffany Butcher leaves him floored.
