EastEnders bosses have confirmed that one character is about to die
One person is set to die in EastEnders (Image: BBC/Adam Pensotti)
EastEnders has revealed the demise of a Walford local following Harry Mitchell’s kidnap ordeal.
As regular viewers of the BBC soap will be aware, Harry (played by Elijah Holloway) managed a dramatic escape after being kidnapped by drug dealer Ravi Gulati (portrayed by Aaron Thiara) and his accomplice Okie (Aayan Ibikunle Shoderu).
The criminal pair also ensnared vulnerable Kojo Asare (Dayo Koleosho), who is autistic, into their illicit activities, manipulating him into drug running, a practice known as cuckooing. When Harry threatened to involve the police to liberate his mate, he was abducted.
Fortunately, both Harry and Kojo escaped and swiftly recovered in the hospital before returning home to Albert Square, but more drama is on the horizon.
Kojo returned to his flat he managed to get Okie out of the building and get Harry free (Image: BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)READ MORE: EastEnders issues fresh Sharon Watts update as she remains absent from Albert SquareREAD MORE: Violence erupts on EastEnders as fan favourite faces off against attacker
On Monday (November 10), Ravi makes a return after being arrested for drug dealing and trafficking, much to Harry’s chagrin, reports OK!.
Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan Levy) confronts Harry and Kojo about Ravi’s involvement in the violent kidnapping, struggling to accept that her boyfriend could have committed such an act.
However, tensions rise when Kojo returns to his flat to find an unwelcome visitor – Okie.
Okie threatens Kojo following Harry’s abduction in EastEnders (Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)
In the upcoming scenes, Okie will insist that Kojo reveal what information about the drug ring was shared with the police, and instructs him to send a text to Harry.
Elsewhere in the Square, Harry’s struggle with addiction continues to escalate. Whilst battling withdrawal symptoms, he attempts to purchase drugs from a dealer, but a text from Kojo stops him in his tracks.
Upon arriving at the scene, Harry discovers Okie threatening Kojo with a knife and intervenes to protect him. Kojo manages to flee the dangerous confrontation, resulting in a brutal altercation between Harry and Okie.
During the struggle, Harry accidentally stabs Okie, who succumbs to the wound.
Dayo Koleosho as Kojo in EastEnders (Image: BBC)
EastEnders has collaborated extensively with Causeway and the National Autistic Society, alongside field experts, regarding the cuckooing aspect of the storyline.
The Ben Kinsella Trust has provided guidance on Okie’s fatal stabbing sequences to guarantee the storyline has been depicted as realistically and sensitively as possible.
Discussing the distressing plot, EastEnders’ executive producer Ben Wadey, said: “At EastEnders, we’re proud to tell stories that reflect the real challenges people face, and Kojo’s cuckooing storyline is one that feels especially important.
Okie will die after getting caught up in Ravi;s drug ring on EastEnders (Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)
“Cuckooing is a form of exploitation that too often goes unseen and hasn’t featured on EastEnders before.”
He continued: “Through Kojo’s experience, we hope to have shone a light on how easily vulnerable people can be manipulated and isolated – something that can happen in any community, but feels particularly resonant in a city like London, where people live side by side and yet can still slip through the cracks.
“Working closely with experts and charities, our aim has been to tell this story with care and authenticity, and to raise awareness as to how to identify the signs of exploitation and the importance of reaching out for help.”
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer
