EastEnders star Toby-Alexander Smith has seemingly confirmed his exit from the BBC soap as serial killer Gray Atkins, posting a selfie from his dressing room after filming his final scenes with the caption 'Well Walford, it’s been wild… again.'
Gray's Return and Crimes
Gray returned to Albert Square earlier this year, having previously claimed three victims in 2019: his abused wife Chantelle Atkins, Tina Carter, and Kush Kazemi. He was imprisoned after his second wife Chelsea Fox gathered evidence against him, but continued to manipulate Chelsea from prison via his grandmother Sheila Atkins.
After Jordan was injured in a hit-and-run, Chelsea accepted Sheila's help, unaware that Sheila was reporting back to Gray. Gray also enlisted fellow inmate Ian Beale, who was serving an eight-month sentence for knocking down Gray's son while driving over the limit, to arrange a visit with Chelsea.
Confrontation and Stabbing
During the visit, Chelsea was horrified to learn of Gray's plan to have Sheila flee the country with Jordan. The plot was foiled by Denise and Kim, and Gray wrongly blamed Ian, threatening him with a bladed weapon. A struggle ended with Gray being stabbed.
It seemed Gray's story was over when Chelsea visited him in hospital and declared she was no longer afraid of him. However, a New Year's Day flashforward revealed Gray is free again by January 1st, suggesting his exit may not be permanent.
Fan Reaction
Fans have flooded Smith's comment section with praise, with one writing: 'Personally wish he would come back for good!' Another said: 'One of the very best 'Evil' characters.' A third posted: 'Loved seeing you on screen again hope more stories to come..'
Smith's tease that 'it's been wild' has left viewers hoping for more from the character, as the flashforward indicates Gray's story may continue into the new year.
