‘EastEnders’ have teamed up with the Muslim Youth Helpline to work on a new storyline which will see Bobby Beale explore the Islamic faith.
In last night’s (11.07.19) episode, viewers saw Bobby – played by ‘EastEnders’ newcomer Clay Milner Russell – meet up with his pal Imran, who he met at a young offender’s institute, and he was given a copy of the Qur’an to read as he looks to try to find peace after killing his sister Lucy Beale (Hetti Bywater).
Zohra Khaku, director of the Muslim Youth Helpline, praised the soap for portraying Islam as a "positive influence" on Bobby’s life.
She said: "The Muslim Youth Helpline have been providing feedback on Bobby’s storyline with the BBC ‘EastEnders’ team.
"In a time where young British Muslims see their faith overwhelmingly represented in a negative way, it is heartening to see Islam portrayed as a positive influence in Bobby’s life."
‘EastEnders’ executive producer Jon Sen is hoping the powerful plot will show the "positive impact" religion can have in modern society, as Bobby searches for "meaning, structure and purpose" in his life.
He said: "We are thrilled to be working with the Muslim Youth Helpline on a storyline which serves to challenge preconceptions and prejudices about the role of faith in young peoples’ lives.
"Bobby Beale’s story will show how a young boy uses religion to help find peace and give his life meaning, structure and purpose.
"We hope this storyline will demonstrate the positive impact of religion in modern society."
Clay made his debut as Bobby last month as the character was released from a youth detention centre, where he was sent for killing Lucy.
EastEnders team up with Muslim Youth Helpline for Bobby Beale plot
