EastEnders confirms Gray’s next victim as killer strikes again

EastEnders spoilers follow for Monday’s (August 10) episode, which can now be streamed on BBC iPlayer. The episode in question will air at 7:30pm.

Four years behind bars have not in the slightest changed Gray Atkins (Toby-Alexander Smith), who has proven in the short time he’s been back on our screens that he’s just as villainous as ever.

The killer, who claimed the lives of wife Chantelle (Jessica Plummer) and neighbours Kush Kazemi (Davood Ghadami) and Tina Carter (Luisa Bradshaw-White), is on a mission to get son Jordan (Jahsaiah Williams) away from his mum Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams) by any means necessary.

Jordan, as viewers know, was injured in an accident earlier in the year when Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) unknowingly knocked down the little boy, who was in the road after he ran off following an argument with Chelsea.

Ian was jailed for eight months and has since found himself in prison with Gray, who was less than pleased to learn of what happened to Jordan – holding Chelsea responsible.

With Ian also not on the best of terms with Chelsea – who failed to turn up to his sentencing to offer a statement to the court – Gray decided to prey upon the councillor, offering him protection while he’s in prison in exchange for him organising a visit with Chelsea.

Ian wasn’t sure, knowing full well that Gray cannot be trusted. He spoke to another prisoner named Lloyd, who he had a lot in common with. The two men bonded over life not turning out as they imagined and Ian feared what his future could look like after witnessing a showdown between two prisoners.

Gray watched from afar and it was clear that he felt threatened by Ian’s burgeoning new friendship. Knowing Lloyd could pose a threat to his operation, the killer came up with a plan that would not only get him out of the picture but would also make Ian fear for his life – and have no choice but to comply with his ‘request’.

In intense scenes, Lloyd wasbeat up by a bunch of inmates on Gray’s orders as a helpless Ian watched on.

With Ian now believing he could be subjected to such violence, he decided that protection was a must and thus did as Gray asked, calling Chelsea to arrange a visit.

The question is: will Gray get what he wants? Will Chelsea realise just how much danger Jordan is in?

Sheila Atkins (Sheila Ruskin), whose alliance with grandson Gray was exposed last week, intends to kidnap Jordan while Chelsea is at the prison.

Will Chelsea work out what is happening before it’s too late? And will Ian realise that Gray simply cannot be trusted?