Gray Atkins has proven he's as villainous as ever, orchestrating a violent attack on a fellow inmate to manipulate Ian Beale in Monday's episode of EastEnders (August 10).
Gray's Manipulative Plan
Four years in prison haven't changed Gray, who is determined to get his son Jordan away from his mum Chelsea Fox by any means necessary. Jordan was injured earlier this year when Ian Beale unknowingly knocked him down after the boy ran into the road following an argument with Chelsea. Ian was jailed for eight months and now finds himself in prison with Gray, who blames Chelsea for what happened.
Gray preyed on Ian, offering him protection in exchange for arranging a visit with Chelsea. Ian, wary of Gray, bonded with another prisoner named Lloyd over their shared disappointments in life. Witnessing a showdown between two prisoners, Ian feared for his future, and Gray, feeling threatened by Ian's new friendship, devised a plan to eliminate Lloyd and intimidate Ian.
Violence and Coercion
In intense scenes, Lloyd was beaten up by inmates on Gray's orders while a helpless Ian watched. Terrified he could be next, Ian decided to comply with Gray's request and called Chelsea to arrange a visit.
The question remains: will Gray get what he wants? Will Chelsea realise the danger Jordan is in? Sheila Atkins, whose alliance with Gray was exposed last week, intends to kidnap Jordan while Chelsea is at the prison. Will Chelsea work out what's happening before it's too late, and will Ian finally see that Gray cannot be trusted?
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or streams from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
