ONE Walford resident is set to be left in danger as part of a brand new storyline set to rock Albert Square.
EastEnders fans will also see more of the planned storyline than ever before as part of a brand new digital-first spin-off series.
In scenes to air on the BBC soap in the coming months, Anna Knight will find herself being spiked during a night out clubbing with her pals.
The character, played by actress Molly Rainford, will see her drink spiked whilst dancing the night away at Peggy’s.
Viewers will see her behaviour becoming increasingly erratic as her friends don’t bat an eyelid after believing it is just the affects of the alcohol taking hold on the wild night out.
With the incident going unnoticed, it is only when Anna’s pals become concerned for her welfare that the alarm is raised as they insist her behaviour does not match how many drinks she has had over the course of the evening.
The scenes of Anna’s spiking will first air during the EastEnders episode set to be broadcast on 16 July and will be followed by a digital-first spin-off show, entitled Spiked, which will delve into the storyline even further.
Spiked will be available across the EastEnders social media accounts as well as through a QR code which will be shown on-screen on the Beeb during the main episode.
Across five episodes, Spiked will show the events of the night from Anna’s perspective as well as that of her friends.
Fans will see Anna increasingly detach from reality as the drugs begin to take hold.
The mini-series will also aim to share informative tips on how to be aware of spiking including any internal warning signs.
Additional footage throughout the show, filmed by Anna’s pals, will demonstrate the effects the spiking takes on her body and affects her mobility in the club.
Executive Producer, Chris Clenshaw, said of tackling the storyline: “With incidents of spiking rising at alarming rates across the UK in recent years, we chose to explore this issue with Anna Knight who represents the demographic most affected by spiking.
“It was imperative for us to work alongside organisations to accurately present, and sensitively portray this storyline, and Molly’s [Rainford] performance has thoughtfully demonstrated the dangerous realities of spiking as we look to raise awareness of the warning signs and symptoms to look out for after an individual has been spiked.”
The BBC has worked alongside leading charities, Stamp Out Spiking and WithYou on the storyline.
CEO and Founder of StampOut Spiking Dawn Dines added: “EastEnders is a wonderful vehicle to drive the safeguarding message and with its huge popularity amongst a wide range of the public, it will help inspire conversations to help protect men and women being targeted.
“Education is key to preventing these incidents. Stamp Out Spiking are delighted to have taken part in bringing the essential storyline to the screen.”
Spiked will be available on the official EastEnders TikTok, Instagram and Facebook channels via a QR code that will feature within the episode.
THE beloved British soap has been captivating audiences for decades.
EastEnders follows the lives of the residents of Walford as they navigate love, loss, family drama, and community struggles.
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