'EastEnders' gay Muslim shock
Friday, 29 May 2009
A Muslim 'EastEnders' character is to have a gay romance.
Newcomer Syed Masood will fall for openly gay Walford resident Christian Clarke, in a storyline which is set to shock Muslim viewers - as homosexuality is forbidden under Islamic law.
Executive producer of the BBC soap Diedrick Santer said: "We've always tried to make 'EastEnders' reflect modern life in multicultural Britain and we've always told social issue stories relevant to our diverse audience.
"To all intents and purposes, Syed is a 'good' Muslim man - he doesn't drink, smoke or engage in sex before marriage.
"But he struggles with his sexuality when he finds himself drawn to Christian and he believes this goes against his faith."
Syed - played by Marc Elliott - and Christian (John Partridge) will be seen passionately kissing in scenes to be aired in June.
Although Syed has a girlfriend he will be seen having problems as he realises his real sexuality.
He will also find the reaction of his family - including father Mas and mother Zainab - difficult to deal with.
It has been claimed the new plotline could cause Muslim viewers to boycott the show.
A recent survey of 500 British Muslims by research company Gallup showed none were tolerant of homosexuality.
(C) BANG Media International
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