Eastenders Child Abuse Storyline

JP Liz · 22-09-2008 4:23pm #1

A recent EastEnders plot following new character Tony King's relationship with his 15-year-old step-daughter has prompted more than 200 complaints.

Last Friday's episode showed King's (Chris Coghill) introduction to Albert Square after a year in jail and included a scene where he passionately kissed a seemingly consenting Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty). The storyline suggests that he manipulated her into a relationship before being sent to prison after being charged with ABH.

The BBC has confirmed that it has received 163 complaints, while broadcasting regulator Ofcom received 41. The pre-watershed episode was watched by eight million viewers.

The broadcaster said the plot had been created "in association with the NSPCC" and in accordance with its editorial policy.

A spokeswoman said: "EastEnders has a rich heritage of tackling difficult social issues, such as domestic violence and mental health."

They added: "Our current storyline about child abuse is another such issue which had been created in association with the NSPCC and in accordance with BBC editorial policy."

Controversy for Eastenders means ratings winner

EastEnders newcomer Chris Coghill has denied claims that he has 24-hour security outside his home due to his controversial role in the BBC show.

Various tabloid reports this week have suggested that the 33-year-old actor, who plays child abuser Tony King in the Walford-based soap, has round-the-clock protection in the event of any trouble.

Solarball10 · 23-09-2008 11:15am

And soon he's gonna tire of Whitney (she is nearly 16, after all), and he's going to set his sights on Lauren.

Sick.

JP Liz · 23-09-2008 12:29pm

ozzyoh wrote: »

And soon he's gonna tire of Whitney (she is nearly 16, after all), and he's going to set his sights on Lauren. Sick.

What age is Lauren?

Is she the same age as Whitney and is she not in the same class at school as Whitney and Lucy

Whitney acts and looks alot older that 15 / 16

Solarball10 · 23-09-2008 12:35pm

JP Liz wrote: »

What age is Lauren?

Is she the same age as Whitney and is she not in the same class at school as Whitney and Lucy

Whitney acts and looks alot older that 15 / 16

Actually I didn't think of that...Whitney looks a lot older than Lauren....I kinda just assumed, going on looks alone, that Lauren is about 13/14?

trio · 23-09-2008 12:50pm

Lauren's younger sister is 12, so she must be 13/14. She has a boyfriend, Peter Beale.

I think it's a brilliant storyline as the multiple weekly episodes mean it can be a realistically slow-burner. It's very creepy the way you can see the manipulation in real time, drip by drip.

It's 3 months until Whitney turns 16 when she can expect herself and Tony to be able to run off together without being hounded by the law, so we can expect this to go on at least until Christmas, when presumably it'll all explode after her birthday comes and goes and he's still not interested in leaving with her.

Meanwhile, she'll be watching him giving attention to a younger girl. It'll be interesting to see if the penny drops that he's a paedophile, as at the moment she seems to think that theirs is a "romance" and there's nothing sinister about it at all.

tintinr35 · 23-09-2008 7:03pm

thats hot!!

dreamer_ire · 23-09-2008 7:11pm

They are being very clever... if they had gone straight to Lauren there would be uproar but Whitney looks older than 15 and so the storyline seems to be more "acceptable". The actors are doing well... hope it continues to be handled appropriately

RubyXI · 26-09-2008 10:51am

Hasn't Tony been chasing that job the vicar was talking about coz it involves working with children? So maybe one of them willl be his next interest.

thetyreman · 26-09-2008 10:57am

tintinr35 wrote: »

thats hot!!

Whats hot??????

kittex · 26-09-2008 12:11pm

tintinr35 wrote: »

thats hot!!

I'd have thought a mod would know better than to make a shady comment like that!

JP Liz · 26-09-2008 12:33pm

He didnt mind taking a job with Lucas once he knew kids were involved.

SICKO :mad:

Dudess · 26-09-2008 12:40pm

LOL at the way people are getting worked up about it and using sad emoticons etc as if it's real life...

kittex · 26-09-2008 12:42pm

Dudess wrote: »

LOL at the way people are getting worked up about it and using sad emoticons etc as if it's real life...

Huh? I count 2 emoticons up to your post...which also includes one, making it 3.
Never mind your LOL. If you have to laugh at your own 'joke'....

Dudess · 26-09-2008 1:28pm

Seriously, this is the storyline of a television show and concerning fictional characters - there are people on this thread discussing them as if they really exist. As I said, LOL...

JP Liz · 26-09-2008 1:46pm

Its a very controversial storyline for a soap opera especially post watershed. All the actors and actresses involved are portraying the storyline very well.

thetyreman · 26-09-2008 1:52pm

Dudess wrote: »

Seriously, this is the storyline of a television show and concerning fictional characters - there are people on this thread discussing them as if they really exist. As I said, LOL...

Fiction yea,but i dont know whats its like in your world,but in this world these things are happening every day,just because its a soap opera it dosnt mean it dosnt happen,they are portraying real life storys,so open your mind a little..

Dudess · 26-09-2008 1:58pm

These things are indeed happening every day and kudos to Eastenders for addressing them. However... where did I dispute that?

Sensible posts in relation to this sensitive storyline:

trio wrote: »

Lauren's younger sister is 12, so she must be 13/14. She has a boyfriend, Peter Beale.

I think it's a brilliant storyline as the multiple weekly episodes mean it can be a realistically slow-burner. It's very creepy the way you can see the manipulation in real time, drip by drip.

It's 3 months until Whitney turns 16 when she can expect herself and Tony to be able to run off together without being hounded by the law, so we can expect this to go on at least until Christmas, when presumably it'll all explode after her birthday comes and goes and he's still not interested in leaving with her.

Meanwhile, she'll be watching him giving attention to a younger girl. It'll be interesting to see if the penny drops that he's a paedophile, as at the moment she seems to think that theirs is a "romance" and there's nothing sinister about it at all.

dreamer_ire wrote: »

They are being very clever... if they had gone straight to Lauren there would be uproar but Whitney looks older than 15 and so the storyline seems to be more "acceptable". The actors are doing well... hope it continues to be handled appropriately

The ones I laughed at:

And soon he's gonna tire of Whitney (she is nearly 16, after all), and he's going to set his sights on Lauren. Sick.

He didnt mind taking a job with Lucas once he knew kids were involved.

SICKO :mad:

thetyreman · 26-09-2008 2:11pm

Dudess wrote: »

These things are indeed happening every day and kudos to Eastenders for addressing them. However... where did I dispute that?

Sensible posts in relation to this sensitive storyline:

The ones I laughed at:

Technically they do really exist,your comment on them not existing portrayed that this thing only happens on tv...

Dudess · 26-09-2008 2:21pm

I reserve the right to laugh at people - any people - talking angrily within a conversation about particular soap characters as if they are real. If something along the lines of "to think there really are sick people like that out there" were said it would be one thing, but not making the distinction is just really funny.

It's not quite the same as, but close enough to, people going up to the actors/actresses who play soap villains and giving them verbal abuse, or sometimes even physical abuse.

RubyXI · 26-09-2008 2:37pm

Dudess wrote: »

I reserve the right to laugh at people - any people - talking angrily within a conversation about particular soap characters as if they are real. If something along the lines of "to think there really are sick people like that out there" were said it would be one thing, but not making the distinction is just really funny.

It's not quite the same as, but close enough to, people going up to the actors/actresses who play soap villains and giving them verbal abuse, or sometimes even physical abuse.

In fairness now like, This is a thread about a soap. Everyone knows it's fiction. People are referring to the characters and looking at it from their point of view.
You may find it funny but this is a thread about soapland. If you don't like talking about soapland, then don't join in the discussion. Let the people who enjoy the soap talk about the characters they know.

Loose Lips · 26-09-2008 2:59pm

Dudess wrote: »

I reserve the right to laugh at people - any people - talking angrily within a conversation about particular soap characters as if they are real. If something along the lines of "to think there really are sick people like that out there" were said it would be one thing, but not making the distinction is just really funny.

It's not quite the same as, but close enough to, people going up to the actors/actresses who play soap villains and giving them verbal abuse, or sometimes even physical abuse.

Dudess: The characters in a soap opera can feel like real people, like family even, to regular viewers. It is normal for them to feel emotionally 'bought in' to their lives. This is known as suspension of disbelief.

When you think about it, what is the difference between getting emotionally involved in the lives of fictional tv characters, and responding emotionally to the opinions expressed by fictitious, anonymous internet posters?

I think you have been insensitive here and should apologise.

Slan

Dudess · 26-09-2008 3:26pm

Loose Lips wrote: »

When you think about it, what is the difference between getting emotionally involved in the lives of fictional tv characters, and responding emotionally to the opinions expressed by fictitious, anonymous internet posters?

Except they're not fictitious...

JP Liz · 26-09-2008 3:35pm

I think everyone knows its a soap opera and its fictitious but this happens in real life and this character Tony is vile and evil

Dudess · 26-09-2008 3:52pm

phi3 wrote: »

In fairness now like, This is a thread about a soap. Everyone knows it's fiction. People are referring to the characters and looking at it from their point of view.
You may find it funny but this is a thread about soapland. If you don't like talking about soapland, then don't join in the discussion. Let the people who enjoy the soap talk about the characters they know.

Exactly. Tis all just entertainment at the end of the day...

kittex · 26-09-2008 5:11pm

Dudess wrote: »

These things are indeed happening every day and kudos to Eastenders for addressing them. However... where did I dispute that?

Sensible posts in relation to this sensitive storyline:

The ones I laughed at:

You are so strange! The title of the thread says 'Storyline' therefore everything discussed in it, is based on the assumption of it being fiction, of it being manufactured. Posters shouldn't have to re-announce that fact every post they make just to keep a skim reader happy.

Anyway, you're main one coming on and getting all emo about people discussing it at all. Gosh now, if all the mods thought that way there'd be no boards at all!

And as a mod, you should know better than to continually take a thread off topic.

Dudess · 26-09-2008 5:17pm

You're really missing my point kittex. While it would be one thing to say "that Tony is a right bastard isn't he?", the quotes I mentioned already really seem to convey genuine anger and dismay and fear - as if this person is walking among us.

And soon he's gonna tire of Whitney (she is nearly 16, after all), and he's going to set his sights on Lauren. Sick.

He didnt mind taking a job with Lucas once he knew kids were involved.

SICKO :mad:

Plus, it's still all very entertaining and there'd be huge disappointment if it was taken off the air, which makes the comments even more bizarre.

Just an observation of something which amused and surprised me, not intended to upset (really it's not)...

Oh and my being a mod is completely irrelevant when I'm not on the forum which I moderate...

foxy06 · 27-09-2008 2:48am

Dudess I have admired you from afar but find your comments on this thread to be without thought. No matter what people think about the characters in the show they may be personally affected by the storylines and the only way to show their anger is through a thread like this.

SunnyP · 27-09-2008 6:21pm

Fair play to the actors involved they are playing the part very well, so does Tony get the job with Lucas?

Dudess · 27-09-2008 6:31pm

foxy06 wrote: »

Dudess I have admired you from afar but find your comments on this thread to be without thought. No matter what people think about the characters in the show they may be personally affected by the storylines and the only way to show their anger is through a thread like this.

Fair enough foxy...

Brigantia · 01-10-2008 11:59pm

i really thought i missed something with this story line, it just doesn't seem to be great at all.
Whitney is always saying how they will run away together, and they held hands on the sofa when Bianca was sitting on it as well.

i'm sorry, but it just doesn't seem like a child abuse story line to me, more like an affair story line. i think they only labelled it a child abuse story line because she is suppose to be 15, but it just seems not quite right somehow.
although i don't really know, you would probably have to ask an expert for there opinion on it.

RubyXI · 02-10-2008 9:17am

Brigantia wrote: »

i really thought i missed something with this story line, it just doesn't seem to be great at all.
Whitney is always saying how they will run away together, and they held hands on the sofa when Bianca was sitting on it as well.

i'm sorry, but it just doesn't seem like a child abuse story line to me, more like an affair story line. i think they only labelled it a child abuse story line because she is suppose to be 15, but it just seems not quite right somehow.
although i don't really know, you would probably have to ask an expert for there opinion on it.

It's a child abuse story because the "relationship" started when Whitney was 11 or 12? (open to correction) And stopped because Tony went to prision

Pigletlover · 02-10-2008 9:50am

Brigantia wrote: »

i'm sorry, but it just doesn't seem like a child abuse story line to me, more like an affair story line. i think they only labelled it a child abuse story line because she is suppose to be 15, but it just seems not quite right somehow.
although i don't really know, you would probably have to ask an expert for there opinion on it.

i'm not feeling the story line either, I think it's the fact that Whitney looks and acts so much older than 15 that it seems more like an affair than abuse.

JP Liz · 02-10-2008 10:42am

Brigantia wrote: »

i really thought i missed something with this story line, it just doesn't seem to be great at all.
Whitney is always saying how they will run away together, and they held hands on the sofa when Bianca was sitting on it as well.

i'm sorry, but it just doesn't seem like a child abuse story line to me, more like an affair story line. i think they only labelled it a child abuse story line because she is suppose to be 15, but it just seems not quite right somehow.
although i don't really know, you would probably have to ask an expert for there opinion on it.

Whitney looks older than her age 15. The relationship started when she was younger.

Him preying on Lauren looks worse

genie_us · 02-10-2008 12:56pm

I would say it is abuse rather than an affair because whitney is more or less brainwashed into thinking that the relationship is real - as in he has led her to believe that it is normal behaviour. Although she is willing she doesn't realise that the whole thing is wrong and that makes it abuse.

Just my opinion!

trio · 02-10-2008 3:22pm

If you saw the episode where he was going on about the first time he saw her, at 12, and she was wearing a yellow ribbon in her hair....*shudder*.....you'd be pretty clear that it's an abuse storyline rather than an affair one.

I agree that the actress looking not-very-childish at the moment might have confused viewers though. I think that now he's looking at the more childish looking Lauren that it'll become a lot clearer just how creepy he is.

Actually, the way he said to Lauren straight after meeting her "You seem a bit sad" was one of the creepiest things ever. So that's how the grooming starts! Ugh.

JP Liz · 02-10-2008 3:39pm

Evil EastEnders paedophile Tony King is set to strike again - targeting schoolgirl Lauren Branning.

Despite 200 complaints from viewers after ex-con Tony was shown bedding stepdaughter Whitney Dean before the 9pm watershed, he will turn his attention to Lauren, 14.

Tony, played by Chris Coghill, be comes infatuated by the girl - actress Madeline Duggan - when she visits Whitney (Shona McGarty).

An Albert Square insider said: "He has got away with abusing Whitney for years but it seems one young girl isn't enough."

Actor Chris, 34, has been given 24-hour police protection over fears he could be attacked by confused fans believing him to be a real-life danger.

But Chris said: "I hope the storyline encourages abused children to speak out."

Lauren is dating Peter Beale yes?

Brigantia · 02-10-2008 4:29pm

no, i didn't see that episode. i don't watch the soaps much, which probably seems strange judging by the fact i'm on a forum discussing soaps:D
but i do like to read about them in the mags, and online.
thats where i came accross that it was an abuse storyline, but watching it on TV is different. maybe its the way they are filming it, because of the watershed and all of that.

i hope the actor playing the part of Tony isn't attacked for it, he is only doing his job, and he probably feels uncomfortable filming those scene's.
but i suppose a lot of people out there do get confused between fact and fiction, which seems pretty strange to me.

JP Liz · 07-10-2008 4:32pm

Chris Coghill who plays Tony is beginning filming a new drama for ITV so he will be leaving soon

lubie76 · 07-10-2008 4:51pm

Pigletlover wrote: »

i'm not feeling the story line either, I think it's the fact that Whitney looks and acts so much older than 15 that it seems more like an affair than abuse.

Yes, but it's the fact that Whitney is beginning to look/act older is key to the storyline with him turning to Lauren who is younger looking / more innocent for her age

JP Liz · 09-10-2008 2:07pm

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/sep/13/eastenders.television

interesting article

jobucks · 09-10-2008 4:12pm

JP Liz wrote: »

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/sep/13/eastenders.television

interesting article

+1, very well written and interesting article

Femelade · 10-10-2008 9:58am

Whitney is 16 in real life..
and Tony is 34 in real life...

so even at that, and i know they are only acting..but the kissing scenes between them...is that not a bit much given their real ages?

Conor108 · 01-11-2008 9:26pm

Has he started grooming Lauren? Missed a few eps

Tupins · 04-11-2008 4:39pm

Not as such but he has spoken to her and been very friendly to her. Also there was a bit of a creepy scene of him watching her in the square from his bedroom window.

Alessandra · 24-11-2008 2:26am

They are gradually increasing the attention he is giving to Lauren. The so-called "grooming" is so creepy.. He sees his opportunity as Max is out of action and Lauren is vulnerable. I find the scenes with Lauren almost chilling. In comparison to Whitney, Lauren is more childlike. :O
Think they are heading for a Christmas finale with this story maybe?

Nasty_Girl · 24-11-2008 3:42pm

I find it creepy too, especially the way when he asked her over for tea and was asking her about her favourite bands ... I dunno what it was about it... he was talking to her like a child but like an adult at the same time ... ick ick ick ick

But I don't understand why Lauren would have gone to his house, don't her and Whitney hate each other?

Cazlou · 25-11-2008 1:39am

Alessandra wrote: »

They are gradually increasing the attention he is giving to Lauren. The so-called "grooming" is so creepy.. He sees his opportunity as Max is out of action and Lauren is vulnerable. I find the scenes with Lauren almost chilling. In comparison to Whitney, Lauren is more childlike. :O
Think they are heading for a Christmas finale with this story maybe?

It was said on tv last week that

the storyline will be wrapped-up before christmas. And that Whitney tells Bianca

JP Liz · 04-12-2008 2:51pm

PAEDOPHILE Tony King’s perverted secret is out when Whitney Dean reveals their affair.

#bodycopy a { font-size: 12px; }
She turns 16 and tells mum Bianca her boyfriend has been having sex with her since she was 12.

And all hell breaks loose as Bianca – played by Patsy Palmer, 36 – realises she has let a sexual predator into her home.

Bianca tells Whitney (Shona McGarty, 16): “You were 12. He came into this family to be a father to you, Tiff and the boys and he abused you.

“He is a paedophile. He’s an adult and you’re a child.”

And Bianca quickly calls police who arrest Tony (Chris Coghill, 33) as he flees Walford.

Fans will see the scenes – one of the the most controversial plots of the year – from next Monday.

But executive producer Diederick Santer, 39, says: “Telling stories about difficult social issues is nothing new for the show.”

LolaDub · 09-12-2008 8:34pm

Is anybody watching it now? Its pretty awful!!! By awful i mean a sad storyline and difficult to watch.

dreamer_ire · 09-12-2008 9:10pm

I thought it was incredibly well acted, quite interested to see where they go with the storyline now

LolaDub · 09-12-2008 9:14pm

Well acted yes but awful to watch, its such an immense story line

Eastenders Child Abuse Storyline

Comments