EastEnders viewers have pointed out a perplexing inconsistency in the recent return of serial killer Gray Atkins (Toby-Alexander Smith), questioning the logic behind his grandmother Sheila's (Sheila Ruskin) actions.
Gray's return after four years
Gray, Albert Square's most sinister solicitor, first arrived in Walford in 2019 with his wife Chantelle Atkins (Jessica Plummer), whom he abused and eventually murdered. His killing spree continued with Kush Kazemi (Davood Ghadami) and Tina Carter (Luisa Bradshaw-White), making him a serial killer. He was finally imprisoned in 2022 after Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) exposed his crimes.
Sheila's confusing behavior
After four years, Gray's grandmother Sheila resurfaced, contacting Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams) after Chelsea's son Jordan was injured in a hit-and-run caused by Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt). Chelsea cut contact, but Sheila persisted, eventually visiting Gray in prison for advice. Fans were baffled by the inconsistency: Sheila was seen stroking a photo of Gray, suggesting ongoing contact, yet Gray revealed she hadn't visited him in four years.
One fan wrote: "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."
Fan reactions and theories
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's statement
EastEnders Executive Producer Ben Wadey welcomed Smith's return, stating: "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."
