An EastEnders actor has opened up about their own tragic connection to the current stabbing plot line.
Tony Clay, who plays lovable character Callum ‘Halfway’ Highway, has revealed he lost one of his own friends to knife crime.
In an emotional tribute posted on his official Twitter account, Tony wrote: “10 years ago we lost a mate to knife crime & if this week’s episodes can stop another family or group of mates going through that grief then the show has truly done it’s job.
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“You two were beautiful & should be so proud @Zack_Morris @shaheenofficial #Eastenders.”
10 years ago we lost a mate to knife crime & if this week’s episodes can stop another family or group of mates going through that grief then the show has truly done it’s job 🙏🏽You two were beautiful & should be so proud @_Zack_Morris @shaheenofficial ❤️👊🏽 #Eastenders
— Tony Clay (@tony_clay76) May 22, 2018
One of his 2337 followers replied: “Really frightening scenes in last night’s #Eastenders. We are always talking about the madness of gun crime in the States – We need to deal with those who carry knives on the streets as swiftly and harshly as we would anyone carrying a gun. #StopKnifeCrime #Shakil.”
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Monday’s traumatic scenes (21 May) saw Shakil Kazemi and Keegan Baker both get stabbed by a gang of thugs.
While Keegan was rushed to hospital by a frantic Mick Carter, Shakil was left bleeding to death on the pavement with no-one aware he was hurt.
In horrendous scenes shown tonight (Thursday 24 May), Shakil is still missing. However, his family are told of his death on Friday.
The soap worked closely with former star Brooke Kinsella MBE on the plot, whose 16-year-old brother was stabbed in 2008.
She and her family set-up a trust in his honour – The Ben Kinsella Trust – which helps raise awareness of knife crime.
Two precious young lives hang in the balance. Both victims of knife crime. It cannot go on like this. #EastEnders pic.twitter.com/TGV4bV32ur
— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) May 21, 2018
The BBC soap has received praise for tackling the issue of knife crime.
Speaking in a joint interview with Bonnie Langsford on Good Morning Britain, Brooke said: “It breaks my heart in all honesty because the only thing that’s kept my family going these past 10 years is trying to make a difference so it doesn’t happen to somebody else’s family.”
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