EE: Whitney spoiler

[faceless]

Whitney Dean in abuse storyline
Bianca Jackson’s step-daughter to be part of shocking rape plot
2 July 2008
Now Magazine

EastEnders’ 15-year-old Whitney Dean will be raped by her step-dad as part of a new plot. Whitney, played by Shona McGarty, 16, will be abused by the husband of her step-mum Bianca Jackson. Tony, who is yet to be cast, arrives in Albert Square after he's released from prison.

‘EastEnders is currently planning a future storyline which will tackle sexual abuse within the Jackson family,’ a show spokeswoman confirms. ‘The programme is working very closely with the NSPCC so that this subject is accurately and sensitively portrayed.’ And NSPCC spokesman John Grounds has praised the soap for tackling the subject of child abuse. 'Programmes like EastEnders are increasingly helping to raise awareness of the hidden nature of sexual abuse,' he tells The Sun.

Bianca, played by Patsy Palmer, 36, arrived back in Walford in April with fiery step-daughter Whitney, the child of her dead ex, and her 4 other children.

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[11antoniacourt]

How are the writers EVER going to handle this plot line?

[Skylace]

I must say I am looking forward to this. It will be interesting to see how they handle it though. If people got in a tizzy over the buried alive scene what are they going to do with this?
It is good that they are tackling tough storylines like this, and I think they can do it. But how they are going to do it, remains to be seen.
Personally, from what I have seen of Shona on screen, I believe she is a fine young actress who will be more than capable of handling this.

[Aja]

[11antoniacourt]

[faceless]

After reading the story about how that Alex Ferns still can't get decent TV work years after playing big bad Trevor, I'd be surprised if anyone with a clue wanted the role.

I think it's a crap story line myself - this is what 9pm police dramas are all about and it has been handled in many of them in ways which are much more revealing than something at 8pm could be.

They're just scraping the barrel as usual.

[misslisalynn]

I never liked these type of storylines as they give me the creeps but I can see how they are setting it up, with Whitney always saying how much she misses Tony and can't wait til he's out of prison. Unfortunately, most incidents like these are perpetrated by family members or close friends.

[eefanincan]

[faceless]

yeah, that's really the point - it needs to be handled properly. The situation should be dealt with, but when they are limited to the pre 9pm regulations they have to temper the reality of how people would really react in a similar situation.

If your hands are tied you shouldn't try juggling!

[11antoniacourt]

Either way it promises to be emotional. I myself look forward to posting up a storm about how much I don't like the step-father/perpetrator, what a snake he is, etc. We will hate him and so will everyone in the Square. Stone him! Stone him!

[11antoniacourt]

Whoops, look what i found!

[faceless]

Here's a picture of him - I think he looks quite like that gay fella who's already in the show.

[eefanincan]

I don't see it myself face. But thanks for posting the picture..... I was just getting ready to google him after reading the article antonia posted.

[SpursFan1902]

Not exactly a spoiler, unless you are behind, I guess. When is this poor kid going to catch a break???? Everything that she has gone thru and now Rob is back. And she thinks this new little toe rag likes her and all the while it was Rob setting it all up. Loser...they really need to give her a storyline where she gets to be happy...truly happy.

[eefanincan]

A far cry from the Whitney we see on the market stall!