EastEnders’ John Partridge reveals extreme measures used to protect cast during iconic storyline

EastEnders legend, John Partridge has opened up about the extreme measures the BBC was forced to take during his characters biggest storyline (Picture: Piers Allardyce/Shutterstock)

John Partridge became an undisputed EastEnders legend for his portrayal of out-and-proud Christian Clarke, brother of fellow Walford royalty, Jane Beale (Laurie Brett), and further solidified his status when he became one half of beloved couple ‘Chryed’, alongside Syed Masood (Marc Elliott).

Christian arrived on the Square by invitation of Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt), and after his engagement fell apart, became an integral part of the family. Striking up a deliciously chaotic friendship with Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons), he was taken into the hearts of ‘Enders fans almost immediately.

After a tricky love triangle (of sorts) with Steven Beale (Aaron Sidwell) and Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner), and a tough reunion with his homophobic mother, Linda Clarke (Lynda Baron), Christian became involved in what would prove to be a character defining arc: his relationship with Syed.

Though, according to John, there were initial worries about the safety of both he and Marc Elliott.

Christian and Syed, ‘Chryed’ became a staunch fan favourite couple (Picture: BBC)

‘It’s very difficult to tell a gay story at 7:30 in the evening without offending somebody. They thought we were going to be annihilated for it.

‘We were run through police scenarios, we even had police on our doorsteps at the beginning, just to make sure that nobody came to our home addresses. Yet the reaction from the audience was the opposite of what they thought.’

The storyline began when Syed, who’d always identified as straight, developed feelings for Christian when they worked alongside each other. Though engaged to Amira Shah (Preeya Kalidas), the two became locked in a passionate affair, though Syed remained deeply troubled in regards to the clash between his sexuality and his Muslim faith.

BBC execs were forced to implement police protection (Picture: BBC)

While Syed’s mother, Zainab Masood (Nina Wadia) discovered the truth before Syed and Amira’s wedding and, unable to accept Syed’s sexuality, forced him to go through with the wedding. The secret was later blown when Syed’s father, Masood Ahmed (Nitin Ganatra) discovered them kissing, leading Amira to depart Walford, heartbroken.

Syed was disowned by his family, but was finally free to live openly as a couple with Christian. Though further drama came their way, the two eventually departed the Square, together, for a new life in America.

The storyline remains one of EastEnders most lauded, with critics praising the soap for it’s sensitive and nuanced portrayal of a gay Muslim character struggling with his identity, family, and faith, with the BBC confirming that the story was thoroughly researched with LGBTQ+ and Muslim support groups

Though the duo had a rocky start, they eventually made it down the aisle (Picture: Kieron McCarron/BBC)

When asked about further memories of the iconic storyline, John said: ‘I guess the thing is when you’re doing these things, not that you don’t appreciate them, you do appreciate them, but it’s only when you have perspective on something. It’s only when time has passed.

‘Even at The Code [the play that John is currently starring in] the other night, I had my my army of ‘Chryeds’ that they come and even now they come to the show. I call them my army of ‘Chryeds’ now but I know them all by first name.

‘They’ve supported me throughout the years and people that supported that story have continued to support me and follow my career and take an interest in me, in the projects that I do and I am so grateful for that. I am so grateful that we were given the opportunity to tell that story.’

John spoke further about the impact of ‘Chryed’, and why he never tires of fans asking him about it (Picture: Cove/SOPA Images/Shutterstock)

When asked whether or not he gets tired of being asked about his role as Christian, John said: ‘I’ll always be grateful for my time at EastEnders. People go: ‘God, don’t they get sick of being asked about it?’, and I’m like, ‘No, I love it because I love all the shows I’ve done.’ I love all those parts of my life. And EastEnders and Christian is a massive part of of who I am today.’

Speaking on the audition process he faced, Christian revealed that his reading was ‘awful’.

‘I remember when I went in for Christian, they were like: ‘well, you read the worst. You were absolutely awful, but you are the part’. I was like, yes, job done. Like, what was that? ‘You were dreadful in that reading, but you are it.’

John has carved out an impressive career on-screen and on-stage (Picture: Cove/SOPA Images/Shutterstock)

John is currently playing Billy Haynes in the Code, a play about being gay in the golden age of Hollywood.

‘The Code deals with the closeted sexuality of Hollywood from the 1930’s, really, through to today and it asks the question, what would you be prepared to do for a chance of fame, for a chance of stardom? What would you be prepared to concede or conceal for fame?’ John said when asked about the play.

‘What our story deals with is we have two homosexuals, Billy and Henry whose sexual proclivities should put them on the same side in Hollywood. But there is a young actor in the middle of this mix called Chad Manford, and, really, the play deals with the fight for the soul of this young actor.

So I’m on the one side of saying be your authentic self, be who you are. Henry Wilson is on the side of: ‘this is Hollywood. This is the machine. If you want to be famous, this is the price.’

If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you.

Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage.

Comments