EastEnders' Jessica Plummer speaks on Chantelle's devastating death
EastEnders spoilers follow.
EastEnders star Jessica Plummer has discussed Chantelle Atkins' upcoming death as part of the show's domestic abuse storyline.
In upcoming episodes, Chantelle plans her escape from her abusive and violent husband Gray (Toby-Alexander Smith). After an unsuccessful attempt, she is killed by her abuser.
Related: EastEnders releases full details of Chantelle Atkins' final week before she's killed by Gray
Before her death, Chantelle calls a women's refuge instead of reaching out to her family.
Explaining that decision, Jessica said: "Chantelle's parents have a relationship with her husband, so for her to tell her parents is to potentially not escape. Gray is clever, he's smart, and he's not going to let her just walk out of the door.
"I think it's easier for her to just run."
The star added: "She loves her dad and is probably the closest to telling him, but at the same time knows that her dad would probably kill Gray. So she wants to protect her dad in that way as well.
"Even though she probably loves her mum more, I think Chantelle is quite resentful about the fact that her mum is always commenting on how perfect her life is and that her mum hasn't noticed that something's wrong.
"Whereas her dad, even though she's not as close to him, picked up on it straight away, so she has that secret bond with him."
Jessica also addressed the plot's importance and commented on the difference between Chantelle and Gray's storyline and previous domestic abuse storylines.
"She holds herself with such high regard, she doesn't cower, and she stands up for herself," she said.
"I don't think Chantelle even realises how bad it is at the start. She thinks, 'Well, my life is perfect. It's just that one small little thing. If I could just figure out, everything would be absolutely fine!'
"It's important to show that this is still domestic abuse, even though it doesn't look like the typical cowering-in-a-corner, locked-in-a-room versions. To the outside world, Gray is charismatic, he's charming, he's successful – he's perhaps not the typical person that is portrayed in domestic abuse storylines."
EastEnders airs on BBC One.
We would encourage any readers who are affected by the issues raised in this story to contact Refuge (www.refuge.org.uk) or Women's Aid (www.womensaid.org.uk). The 24-hour, freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0808 2000 247. The US National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or text LOVEIS to 22522.
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