BBC's EastEnders is to run a new storyline to raise awareness of “alarming rates” of spiking in the UK.
The story will see Anna Knight, played by Molly Rainford, spiked while on a night out at nightclub Peggy’s, but the incident initially goes unnoticed as her friends believe her erratic behaviour is actually down to alcohol.
Her friends eventually become concerned after realising her behaviour does not match up with the small amount of alcohol she has consumed.
The episode will air on July 16, and then viewers will be able to gain further insight into a five-part mini-series accessible via a QR code, which will feature in the main episode, in what will be a first for the soap.
EastEnders to air spiking storyline
#EastEnders is working on a new storyline that will see Anna Knight (@mollyrainford) get her drink spiked. Head here for more info ➡️ https://t.co/GHhc6AKSt0 @BBCiPlayer @BBCOne pic.twitter.com/jEftF556Pl
— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) July 2, 2024
The mini-series will aim to show viewers the internal warning signs to look out for when spiked, while additional footage from the perspective of Anna’s friends will showcase the outward effects the drugs have on her behaviour.
The soap has worked with spiking charities Stamp Out Spiking and WithYou in order to ensure the storyline is portrayed as “accurately and as sensitively as possible”.
EastEnders executive producer Chris Clenshaw said: “With incidents of spiking rising at alarming rates across the UK in recent years, we chose to explore this issue with Anna Knight who represents the demographic most affected by spiking.
“It was imperative for us to work alongside organisations to accurately present, and sensitively portray this storyline.
“Molly’s performance has thoughtfully demonstrated the dangerous realities of spiking, as we look to raise awareness of the warning signs and symptoms to look out for after an individual has been spiked.”
Dawn Dines, CEO and founder at Stamp Out Spiking, welcomed the storyline and added: “EastEnders is a wonderful vehicle to drive the safeguarding message.
RECOMMENDED READING
EastEnders' future hangs in the balance as BBC sells Elstree set
“With its huge popularity amongst a wide range of the public, it will help inspire conversations to help protect men and women being targeted.
“Education is key to preventing these incidents. Stamp Out Spiking are delighted to have taken part in bringing the essential storyline to the screen.”
The mini-series will also be accessible via the EastEnders TikTok.
Why are you making commenting on The Herald only available to subscribers?
It should have been a safe space for informed debate, somewhere for readers to discuss issues around the biggest stories of the day, but all too often the below the line comments on most websites have become bogged down by off-topic discussions and abuse.
heraldscotland.com is tackling this problem by allowing only subscribers to comment.
We are doing this to improve the experience for our loyal readers and we believe it will reduce the ability of trolls and troublemakers, who occasionally find their way onto our site, to abuse our journalists and readers. We also hope it will help the comments section fulfil its promise as a part of Scotland's conversation with itself.
We are lucky at The Herald. We are read by an informed, educated readership who can add their knowledge and insights to our stories.
That is invaluable.
We are making the subscriber-only change to support our valued readers, who tell us they don't want the site cluttered up with irrelevant comments, untruths and abuse.
In the past, the journalist’s job was to collect and distribute information to the audience. Technology means that readers can shape a discussion. We look forward to hearing from you on heraldscotland.com
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel