EastEnders fans have spotted a perplexing inconsistency in Gray Atkins' return to the soap after four years behind bars. The serial killer, played by Toby-Alexander Smith, made a shock reappearance in scenes aired this week, but viewers were quick to point out a glaring plot hole involving his grandmother, Sheila.
The Return of Gray Atkins
Gray Atkins first arrived in Albert Square in 2019 with his wife Chantelle Atkins (Jessica Plummer), whom he abused behind closed doors. In a rare and devastating twist, Chantelle was unable to escape, and Gray murdered her. His reign of terror continued as he killed Kush Kazemi (Davood Ghadami) to prevent him from taking Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty), with whom Gray had developed a twisted obsession. He then strangled Tina Carter (Luisa Bradshaw-White) after she discovered the truth about Chantelle's death, making him a serial killer. Throughout this, Gray led a double life, beginning a relationship with Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams), who later gave birth to their son Jordan.
In 2022, soap justice was served when Gray was imprisoned, thanks to Whitney. Chelsea was free to start anew, but the memory of Gray lingered through his grandmother Sheila (Sheila Ruskin). Sheila contacted Chelsea after Jordan was injured in a hit-and-run caused by Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt). The prospect of Gray re-entering her life terrified Chelsea, leading her to cut contact. However, Sheila persisted, visiting Walford uninvited twice in a week. When Chelsea firmly refused to have her boundaries disrespected, Sheila visited Gray in prison for advice.
Fans Spot the Plot Hole
However, eagle-eyed fans noticed a discrepancy in Gray's relationship with Sheila. In earlier scenes, Sheila was shown stroking a photo of Gray in her wallet, suggesting they were in close contact. Yet when Gray appeared on screen, he stated that Sheila had not visited him in the four years he had been locked up. This contradiction left viewers confused.
One fan wrote on social media: "It's weird to me how they made it seem like Sheila was still in contact with Gray with the way she was stroking his photo in her wallet like she kept in contact with him even though he murdered 3 people. But then when we actually see Gray he says she hasn't visited him in the 4 years he's been locked up."
Another viewer added: "I was a bit confused by this. I thought they would be building toward a story where she's a bit obsessed and thinks that he's done nothing wrong. Maybe under his spell, doing what he wants, and maybe seeing him in Jordan. Instead, it seems more like she just wants her grandkid and is going to use him to help her along."
A third agreed: "This confused me too. The impression I got is that they were always in contact and maybe she was going to try and convince Chelsea to let Gray see his child. Sheila trying to get Gray to get Chelsea to let her see the kid is strange."
Executive Producer Comments
EastEnders Executive Producer Ben Wadey welcomed the return of Toby-Alexander Smith, saying: "We're delighted to welcome Toby-Alexander Smith back to the role of Gray Atkins. Although his character remains in prison, it will soon become apparent to viewers that Gray's physical separation from Walford is no match for his levels of manipulation."
The inconsistency has sparked debate among fans, with many questioning the logic of Sheila's actions. Despite the plot hole, Gray's return promises to bring more drama to Albert Square as his manipulative influence continues to be felt from behind bars.
