Perdita
19-05-2010, 06:09
EASTENDERS star Marc Elliott suffers daily abuse after his character began a gay affair, he revealed last night.
Viewers have seen Muslim Syed Masood ruin his marriage by starting a relationship with Christian Clarke.
But Marc, 30, has told how the role has left him open to homophobic abuse in the street.
The actor, who scoops the best newcomer award on tonight s British Soap Awards on ITV1, said: "Since playing Syed I have really got it in the neck when I'm out.
"A lot of people are supportive but there is still a huge amount of negativity."
Marc said he laughs off the abuse. He added: "I haven't been threatened but there's a lot of cat-calling in the street.
"Any insult, I've had it thrown at me. It's an incredibly important part.
"In so many cultures being gay is still something swept under the carpet."
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/2978807/EastEnder-Marc-Elliott-I-get-stick-over-role-as-gay-Syed-Masood.html#ixzz0oLi6r4WQ
Viewers have seen Muslim Syed Masood ruin his marriage by starting a relationship with Christian Clarke.
But Marc, 30, has told how the role has left him open to homophobic abuse in the street.
The actor, who scoops the best newcomer award on tonight s British Soap Awards on ITV1, said: "Since playing Syed I have really got it in the neck when I'm out.
"A lot of people are supportive but there is still a huge amount of negativity."
Marc said he laughs off the abuse. He added: "I haven't been threatened but there's a lot of cat-calling in the street.
"Any insult, I've had it thrown at me. It's an incredibly important part.
"In so many cultures being gay is still something swept under the carpet."
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/2978807/EastEnder-Marc-Elliott-I-get-stick-over-role-as-gay-Syed-Masood.html#ixzz0oLi6r4WQ