‘I want to know what he’s up to!’ Iconic EastEnders villain is open to a return
EastEnders villain Gray Atkins has been mentioned a number of times on the BBC soap in recent weeks, and actor Toby-Alexander Smith is open to a return.
Ahead of the London-based soap’s 40th anniversary, a number of familiar faces have returned to Albert Square, including Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman) and Jane Beale (Laurie Brett).
With further castings, like Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton) and David Wicks (Michael French), having also been announced, many fans are wondering who else may be set to show up, with some expecting supervillain Gray Atkins to make an appearance.
Over the summer, Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams) was forced to move out of her beloved family home after Gray decided to sell up from behind bars, and his crimes soon became talk of the town again when the newest members of the Mitchell clan snapped up the property.
When it became common knowledge that Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian) had bought the house, brother Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) was quick to detail the history of the previous owner, and his many crimes.
Gray was a notorious serial killer who was responsible for the deaths of Kush Kazemi, Tina Carter and Chantelle Atkins during his reign of terror on the Square.
In 2022, he was finally caught and has been in prison ever since.
However, actor Toby-Alexander Smith has revealed that he would be open to a return to the character should he get the call.
‘People keep asking me the question,’ Toby told us at the Cure Usher Ball. ‘I’ve heard there’s quite a lot of chat going on about Gray at the moment, and I’m like, “Really?”
‘I mean, I’m waiting for the phone to ring. If it does, great! I want to know what he’s up to!’
Toby was joined by wife and Emmerdale star Amy Walsh as they supported co-stars Laura Norton and Mark Jordon at their second annual Cure Usher Ball – an event which aims to raise awareness of Usher Syndrome and funds to put toward finding a cure.
‘We’re so proud of Laura and Mark,’ Amy told us. ‘It feels like such an important evening to be a part of and I’m just so glad that it’s finally here.’
‘The work they do is amazing and they’re such incredible human beings,’ Toby added. ‘What they’re doing is going to be life-changing across the board. It’s amazing to be part of it.’
