EASTENDERS bosses have confirmed that Kat Slater is set for a summer of hell as her son Tommy Moon spirals out of control.
Shocked viewers have already seen Tommy (Sonny Kendal) lash out and punch Kat (Jessie Wallace) in the stomach after blaming her for ‘ruining his street cred at school’ after divorcing Walford hardman Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), who he idolises.
Tommy then called the police on her after she knocked him over in self-defence, accusing her of abusing him.
It seems Tommy is emulating his wannabe stepdad Phil’s ways as he continues to fly off the rails by shoplifting from the Minute Mart, skipping school to spend more time with Phil and insulting Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) ahead of taking on a summer job at the Laundrette.
And now, he is setting his bullying sights on his brothers Bert and Ernie (Elliott and Cody Briffett), leading to Kat having to step in when he gets too rough with the youngsters during a game of football.
It all adds up to a summer of trouble of Kat as manipulative Tommy keeps using the situation between her and Phil to his advantage to keep up a torrent of bad behaviour.
After Kat opens up to her ex Alfie Moon, the teen’s original stepdad. about her fears he agrees to help her.
A tougher approach to the teen produces a turnaround in his behaviour Tommy seems to be a changed man, with his parents pleased with their progress.
But, as The Sun reported earlier this week, EastEnders bosses are keen for the harrowing storyline to continue to play out. The question is how far will Tommy go?
EastEnders is working closely with Family Based Solutions and PEGS, as well as experts in the field to ensure the child-to-parent abuse storyline is portrayed as accurately and as sensitively as possible, and NSPCC have consulted on wider aspects of the storyline.
Soap boss Chris Clenshaw said: “Kat is well-known in Albert Square for her no-nonsense attitude and fiery temper, but this storyline will explore how Tommy manipulates Kat’s unequivocal love for her son to exert his anger and elicit control.
“Jessie [Wallace] and Sonny’s [Kendall] performances have thoughtfully portrayed the complex realities of child to parent abuse with compassion and understanding, and the storyline will demonstrate how Tommy’s behaviour effects their relationship and the wider Slater-Moon family as a whole.
“To ensure we accurately and sensitively portray the realities of child to parent abuse, we have worked alongside Family Based Solutions, PEGS and NSPCC as well as other experts in the field.”
Jason Phasouliotis, Secondary Age Lead Practitioner at Family Based Solutions added: “We’re proud to be working alongside EastEnders on this storyline to bring to light a critical and often overlooked issue: child-to-parent abuse (CPA).
“Throughout our time working together, EastEnders has shown a deep commitment to portray this sensitive topic with the seriousness it deserves, and we hope this storyline will resonate with families experiencing CPA to encourage them to reach out for support.”
Michelle John, Director at PEGS added: “This storyline is a critical turning point for those experiencing child to parent abuse.
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“By EastEnders showing the reality of child to parent abuse (CPA), not only will it shine a light on CPA, but we hope it will encourage important discussions and raise awareness of the situations parental figures are facing across the UK and further afield.
“PEGS was privileged to work alongside EastEnders and provide insight, guidance and support for the team.”
Women's Aid has this advice for victims and their families:
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – messageinfo@supportline.org.uk.
Women’s Aid provides a live chat service – available weekdays from 8am-6pm and weekends 10am-6pm.
You can also call the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
EastEnders airs on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer.
