Friday, 19 September 2008

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EastEnders paedophile plot receives complaints

Audiences unhappy about relationship between Tony King and Whitney Dean

The characters are played by Chris Coghill and Shona McGarty

EastEnders has received over 200 complaints over its decision to run a child abuse storyline.

Last Friday the soap showed Bianca Jackson's boyfriend Tony King (Chris Coghill) arrive in Albert Square and reignite a relationship with his 15-year-old stepdaughter Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty).

‘EastEnders has a rich heritage of tackling difficult social issues, such as domestic violence and mental health,’ a BBC spokesman says.

‘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.’

The episode saw Tony, who had been away in prison, kiss Whitney passionately before falling on a bed together.

Holly Arnold