EastEnders killer Gray Atkins has returned to screens, but viewers are predicting another sinister twist. The notorious murderer, played by Toby-Alexander Smith, is currently serving a life sentence for three murders, beginning with his then-wife Chantelle Atkins (Jessica Plummer) in 2020. In 2022, Gray was finally apprehended and incarcerated following the killings of Kush Kazemi (Davood Ghadami) and Tina Carter (Luisa Bradshaw-White), but not before he tied the knot with Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams) and they welcomed their son Jordan.
Gray's Grandmother Visits Prison
During Monday's episode of the BBC soap (June 29), Gray was visited in prison by his grandmother Sheila (Sheila Ruskin), who has been financially assisting Chelsea and Jordan (Jahsaiah Williams) after an accident involving Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) left the four-year-old requiring constant care. Sheila expressed to Gray her desire for him to reach out to Chelsea and ensure she can see her great-grandson, a plan which Gray seems fully supportive of, reports OK!. She also handed Gray a photograph of his adorable son, which he later affixed to his prison cell wall, gazing at it with a stern expression.
Fan Speculation of Lucas Johnson Return
This minor detail has led some fans to speculate that it could hint at the comeback of Lucas Johnson, famously played by Death in Paradise's current detective, Don Gilet, who is also serving time for murder. One viewer shared on X: "I think Lucas is gonna make a surprise return in the coming days. With Sheila visiting Gray, they are determined no one will find out Gray has a photo of Jordan in his cell, who better to find it than his cellmate - Lucas! #EastEnders." A second shared: "Gray Atkins is back for a short stint - some juicy content for Zaraah/Chelsea incoming! It could be great if Lucas popped up too, and the two killers have crossed over in prison! #EastEnders."
A third chimed in: "So good to have Gray Atkins back in tonight's EE for the first time since 2022", before adding: "Recent prison stints with Phil, Sharon Ravi, etc. have been excellent, so I'm excited to see how this week's scenes play out. I just hope that Sheila doesn't secure custody of Jordan on Gray's behalf. Who do we think Gray might encounter in prison? Lucas? Kheerat?" "If Gray and Lucas were to get out of prison at the same time, now that would be a storyline #EastEnders," another added.
Who is Lucas Johnson in EastEnders?
Lucas first appeared in Walford in 2008, when his daughter, Chelsea, located him. After a troubled past involving addiction, he had converted to Christianity and seemed to be a changed man. Lucas rekindled his love with former flame Denise Fox (Diane Parish), but his darker side was revealed after he left his ex-wife Trina (Sharon Duncan-Brewster) to die. He then framed Denise for the murders and faked her suicide, leaving her family to mourn. In a chilling turn of events, Lucas held her captive in an empty basement next door, leading to his subsequent imprisonment.
In 2020, Lucas made a comeback to Walford after being released from jail, but trouble soon followed when Chelsea became entangled in a drug ring led by Caleb Malone (Ben Freeman). In an attempt to shield his daughter, Lucas requested that Detective Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) have Caleb incarcerated before Lucas himself was arrested and returned to prison, concluding his brief return in March 2021. In 2024, Lucas emerged from prison once again when a progressively unstable Denise sought his counsel.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer.
