EastEnders’ Toby-Alexander Smith has found it "difficult" to immerse himself into the part of abuser Gray Atkins.
The actor knew from the very start of his role in March this year that it would eventually be revealed his character, who was initially portrayed as the perfect husband, beats wife Chantelle Atkins (Jessica Plummer) behind closed doors, but it still came "as a shock" when he had to act out the hard-hitting scenes.
He said: "Even though I knew what was coming, it was still a shock.
"As an actor, I’ve almost had to try to find a way to qualify why Gray was doing it and immerse myself in the part, and that has been difficult to do.
"What you’ve seen stems back from all the research I’ve done, and working with charities, who have been fantastic.
"They have really guided us along the way.
"It’s such a sensitive storyline, and we’ve wanted to pay due diligence to the people who are suffering – the victims and survivors out there – and we need to call out the real Grays of the world."
Toby-Alexander also admits he is glad there has been "a lot of hate" for Gray since his true colours were revealed.
He added to Inside Soap magazine: "The viewers are calling him out, saying how appalling his behaviour is, and there is a lot of hate for the character, which is good."
Jessica recently insisted Toby-Alexander is a "sweetheart" in real life.
She said: "Toby is such a sweetheart, it’s lovely working with him.
"He’s so kind and easy to be with, and the majority of the scenes I shoot are with him.
"I prayed that I would get along with my on-screen husband and I really do."
EastEnders’ Toby-Alexander Smith abuse plot ‘shock’
