A gay Muslim character and his boyfriend who made headlines when their relationship was introduced on the long-running British soap EastEnders are being written out of the show reports Pink News. The decision was made after Marc Elliott, who plays Syed Masood, decided to leave the series.
“I have had a brilliant time on EastEnders over the last three-and-a-half years and made some amazing friends,” says Elliott. “I am especially pleased that the show has tackled and raised awareness of the sensitive subject matter of being a gay Muslim…[but] as an actor you are always looking for new challenges and I feel that now is the right time to move on and explore different projects.”
John Patridge—who plays Syed’s boyfriend, Christian—has also chosen to depart the show in November. “Leaving at the same time as Marc felt like the only thing to do,” says Patridge, who is openly gay.
Syed/Christian storylines have been more complex than standard soap plots—the show has seen Syed marrying a woman to please his Muslim family, Christian beaten by homophobes on several occasions (including Syed’s father), and arguments about raising Syed’s biological daughter.
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While critics and LGBT groups praised the series for featuring a prominent same-sex couple—and addressing issues of sexuality, religion and culture—some Muslim groups condemned the inclusion of a homosexual Muslim. And pop star George Michael felt the volatile, sometimes violent nature of the relationship was sending the wrong message: “[It’s] scaring the shit out of children,” said “The Crying Game” “I Want Your Sex” singer. “The relationship between Syed and Christian is the most insulting piece of bullshit on British television right now.”
Well, at least one person will be happy with this bit of news.
yaoming
I think it was Boy George, not George Michael, who sang “The Crying Game”.
EdWoody
@yaoming: I was about to post the same thing but it took too long to sign in. I don’t know which one of them made the comment, but that part is definitely wrong.
Cam
“”
And pop star George Michael felt the volatile, sometimes violent nature of the relationship was sending the wrong message: “[It’s] scaring the shit out of children,” said “The Crying Game” singer. “The relationship between Syed and Christian is the most insulting piece of bullshit on British television right now.””
____________________
1. It was Boy George not George Michael who sang “The Crying Game”.
2. Which “Children” is it “Scaring the shit out of? Considering that East Enders features Rape, Adultry, Alcoholism, Spousal Abuse, drug addiction, etc… I’m seriously doubting that THIS section is the part that would be scaring kids.
But then again, George Michael has become the worlds largest Bitter Betty.
BritAus
Listen Without Prejudice and judge with your mouth closed George.
arjuna52
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1e0Xu9J64v0&feature=player_embedded
This video montage with Beyonce is real nice.
Niall
While they’re both hot and they have chemistry, some of the storylines they’ve been getting after the one about Syed’s marriage was getting stale. I do hope they introduce other gay characters though.
EdWoody
@Niall: There’s already another one coming in played by the delicious Gary Lucy, of Hollyoaks/Footballers’ Wives/The Bill fame.
Maharajah
Well, this is saddening, as they were one of the few, great and realistic couples of the Original Soap Gays. I have to wonder, though, if in loosing these characters, if we will gain another gay couple.
As for this couple, of late, they have been almost non-existent. So, it was surely in the works for quite some time.
I wish the best, though, for Mr. Elliott and Mr. Partridge. Both have really done superb jobs in portraying their characters, and I hope to see them again, soon and in greater prominence.
Freddie27
Queerty, it’s John Partridge, not Patridge. Please research your articles thoroughly.
Apparently Eastenders, having shown them to be a sweet and monogamous couple, just like any heterosexual couple, has now decided to revert to the worst gay stereotyping and have them involved in a love triangle with Gary Lucy’s character. I hope they have a happy ending. If they are both leaving I think they will walk off into the sunset together…
BritAus
Because love triangles never happen in heterosexual story lines, huh Freddie?
KARUADAM
@Freddie27: Fuck man! you, so full of shit I am sure your eye are brown!.
Tommy-E
I took a look on youtube to day on the Christian & Syed Storyline and I think it’s well done.
brent
I have never heard of this show, but was shocked to see a gay muslim on the show. I have to say that was a brave thing to do. I’m surprised they didn’t have protests all over it.