View Full Version : 'Enders Syed for gay love plot
EastEnders newcomer Syed Masood is to embark on a gay love affair with caterer Christian Clarke.
Penniless Muslim property developer Syed, played by actor Marc Elliott, will find himself torn between his feelings and faith after sharing a gay screen kiss with Jane Beale's (Laurie Brett) brother Christian (John Partridge). The pair will then launch into a full-blown love affair.
The story will primarily focus on Syed's struggles to come to terms with his sexuality as a practising Muslim.
Describing the plot as a "traditional love affair, albeit with a modern multicultural twist", the show's production team has conducted a large amount of research into the issues surrounding such a taboo topic.
EastEnders executive producer Diederick Santer said: "We've always tried to make EastEnders reflect modern life in multicultural Britain and we've always told social issue stories relevant to our diverse audience.
"This isn't a moral tale of right or wrong; it's very much a human interest story where a young man struggles with the conflict between his faith and his feelings."
He continued: "In this regard, it's not dissimilar to the story we told when Dot Cotton's deeply-held Christian beliefs came into conflict with her desire to alleviate Ethel's suffering [in a euthanasia plotline].
"To all intents and purposes, Syed's a 'good' Muslim man: he doesn't drink, smoke or engage in sex before marriage. But he struggles with his sexuality when he finds himself drawn to Christian and he believes this goes against his faith.
"This is not a story about Syed and Christian's physical relationship - we don't see anything beyond one kiss. It's more about the inner turmoil and conflict Syed endures trying to remain true to his faith while questioning his sexuality."
He added: "Syed has already been ostracised from his family and community once and if he's true to his heart he risks losing his family again."
Syed was first seen in the Walford soap at the end of last month when his mother Zainab (Nina Wadia) made contact with him for the first time in four years.
Soon after his debut, viewers met his screen girlfriend Amira Shah (Preeya Kalidas), who failed to meet his mother's high standards. More recently, Zainab has been seen attempting to set Syed up on dates with her friend's numerous daughters.
During the extensive research period, University of Nottingham sociology professor Dr Andrew Kam-Tuck Yip and Adnan Ali, head of Al-Fatiha, an international organisation for gay Muslims, were consulted.
Meanwhile, a Gallup poll conducted earlier this month revealed that none of the 500 Muslims interviewed believe that homosexuality is morally acceptable.
I can hear people phoning to complain about this alread :rolleyes:
Chris_2k11
28-05-2009, 17:11
Wahey :D
DaVeyWaVey
28-05-2009, 17:22
What's the betting we just hear a kiss between them from behind a door or something? wouldn't want to offend EE's audience now would we :rolleyes: :rolleyes: the last time they showed a gay kiss, there were loads of OFCOM complaints.
LostVoodoo
28-05-2009, 18:33
i think this is a fabulous storyline myself and i imagine they will handle it quite well. plus the actors who play Christian and Syed are both decent enough to carry it off. can't wait to see it all unfold.
StarsOfCCTV
28-05-2009, 19:15
and he believes this goes against his faith.
I think it actually does.
This will be very controversial, especially as it deals with homosexuality in both Christian and Muslim religions. This isn't just about an on screen kiss its to do with religion and people get very angry about religion and their beliefs sometimes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexuality_and_Islam
According to Wiki, it appears to depend from which country you are whether it is forbidden or not.
Pinkbanana
28-05-2009, 19:24
What's the betting we just hear a kiss between them from behind a door or something? wouldn't want to offend EE's audience now would we :rolleyes: :rolleyes: the last time they showed a gay kiss, there were loads of OFCOM complaints.
I dont think it has to be graphic to have an impact...infact that could detract from the point EE are trying to show, which is about a young muslim man struggling with his sexuality.. :)
The most the viewer will see will be a kiss but ooooooo what trouble it's going to cause
Hmm it sounds good but then i've learned never to get too hopefull when it comes to EE. The whole Danielle reveal aftermath was painful and a bit rubbish so i'm wary really.
Could be good and i suppose EE will be extra careful, considering the topic.
thestud2k7
29-05-2009, 01:27
the problem i have with this plot is as follows:
we haven't seen any gay signs in syed yet
seems odd syed will go to being gay from being stright
EastEnders actor Marc Elliott has expressed support for his upcoming controversial gay plot.
Elliott's character, Walford's Muslim property developer Syed Masood, is to become embroiled in an affair of the heart with the BBC soap's only openly gay character Christian Clarke (John Partridge).
Following a shock screen kiss, which will air towards the end of next month, Syed faces a long journey of self-discovery as he struggles to deal with his faith and sexuality.
Speaking to the BBC Asian Network, Elliott said of the plot: "I think EastEnders would be doing the programme a disservice if they didn't give a voice to various communities."
He continued: "I think that's really important because I think London is a very ethnically diverse multicultural place and EastEnders has a job to reflect that in the storylines it gives people and the characters they have on board."
Syed's situation is made more complicated by the return of his screen girlfriend Amira Shah (Preeya Kalidas), who viewers first saw earlier this month. Syed's mother Zainab (Nina Wadia), meanwhile, continues in her quest to find her son the perfect wife.
The soap's executive producer Diederick Santer commented: "This isn't a moral tale of right or wrong; it's very much a human interest story where a young man struggles with the conflict between his faith and his feelings."
the problem i have with this plot is as follows:
we haven't seen any gay signs in syed yet
seems odd syed will go to being gay from being stright
I don't agree with your point cos the character has barely been in the show for five minutes, Janine was practically putting it on a plate and he ignored her. There is Amira but that might just be a cover up from him, its too early to say. He might love Amira but feel attracted to Christian and other men as well. we don't know.
thestud2k7
29-05-2009, 17:01
the problem i have with this plot is as follows:
we haven't seen any gay signs in syed yet
seems odd syed will go to being gay from being stright
I don't agree with your point cos the character has barely been in the show for five minutes, Janine was practically putting it on a plate and he ignored her. There is Amira but that might just be a cover up from him, its too early to say. He might love Amira but feel attracted to Christian and other men as well. we don't know.
very true
LostVoodoo
29-05-2009, 17:02
the problem i have with this plot is as follows:
we haven't seen any gay signs in syed yet
seems odd syed will go to being gay from being stright
I don't agree with your point cos the character has barely been in the show for five minutes, Janine was practically putting it on a plate and he ignored her. There is Amira but that might just be a cover up from him, its too early to say. He might love Amira but feel attracted to Christian and other men as well. we don't know.
also, Syed might not have shown any 'signs' of being gay because doesn't know he's gay himself yet. if he strikes up a friendship with christian it could just grow naturally out of that.
sindydoll
29-05-2009, 17:30
we always thought that his dad was going to come out been gay because he is very camp
So Christian will finally get some action :lol:
I'm sure Zainab will love this :rolleyes:
di marco
30-05-2009, 12:06
sounds good, looking forward to see how this plays out
Dutchgirl
30-05-2009, 16:36
Aw it is always the handsome ones!
Good on EE for developing this storyline.
Maybe he repressed gay feelings, especially because he is a Muslim. He did react a bit funny when Christian was introduced to him.
CURRY is heaped on Walford’s cocky Syed Massood when he shows signs he is gay.
The businessman has been sent on a disastrous blind date with a girl while secretly lusting after a man.
Syed – soon to shock his strict Muslim family after puckering up with the fella – agrees to go on the date after being set up by his mum.
But the lad (Marc Elliott, 24) clashes with pretty Parveen (Farzana Dua Elahe) and she pours her lunch on his head.
It’s the start of a complicated love life for Syed who will struggle with his sexuality after falling for his openly gay neighbour Christian Clarke (John Partridge, 37).
Fans see the pals get intimate and snog passionately.
Before they embark on a secret romance, Syed tries to prove to himself that he is straight by agreeing to go on a string of dates.
Marc has defended the plot, which was heavily criticised.
He said: “London is a very ethnically diverse multicultural place and EastEnders has a job to reflect that in storylines.”
Daily Star
.:SpIcYsPy:.
02-06-2009, 20:10
Storyline should be pretty interesting what with it also being suggested Amira finds a best friend in Christian :)
sindydoll
03-06-2009, 21:01
this is going to be so funny when it happens
madz_kidd
17-06-2009, 19:09
This sounds like a really good storyline. There will be complaints thats a definant but as a muslim myself i do think the issue of gay muslims need to be shown, and where better than on eastender.
I hope they do bring some sort of comedy into it, and I hope Syed doesnt take to long doing what is right for him, because it wont be fair on Amira or Christian.
Cant wait for FRIDAYS kiss!!:)
John Partridge has admitted that he cannot decide whether Christian Clarke and Syed Masood should get a happy ending in EastEnders.
The actor's alter ego has had an on-off relationship with Syed since last year, but is currently keeping his distance from the caterer following the drama which surrounded the reveal of their affair.
Speaking to Inside Soap, Partridge confessed that he feels torn every time he considers what the future should hold for the pair.
He explained: "Part of me wants Christian and Syed to get together and sail off into the sunset. I still think they love each other deep down, and love makes you do extraordinary things.
"But if it becomes all rainbows and butterflies, that might make them too cosy. We've seen Christian with a lot of partners in the past. He's a guy who likes to go out and party, so it wouldn't be realistic for him to suddenly settle down."
Syed actor Marc Elliott recently told DS that he does not expect the pair to ever have a trouble-free relationship.
I heard rumours that Christian cheats on Syed I hope it is not true
Love just can't run smoothly for most soap characters :(
I heard rumours that Christian cheats on Syed I hope it is not true
I read he just kisses someone else - but that's bad enough :angry:
tammyy2j
29-12-2010, 17:31
After all they went through to be together and now this happens :angry:
I read that viewers will see Christian enjoy a kiss with a mystery reveller during celebrations in the Queen Vic. But the guilt proves too much for him and he breaks down in tears and gets comforted by Heather
tammyy2j
17-01-2011, 10:15
EastEnders star John Partridge has promised that Christian Clarke and Syed Masood will remain "strong and united" throughout this year's storylines.
Fans are about to see a new plot for the Walford couple begin as they discuss the possibility of starting a family together, prompting Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons) to offer to be their surrogate mother.
However, in an interview with All About Soap, Partridge hinted that any potential drama for the pair will not result in a split.
He explained: "Life isn't what it seems! This year will be testing for a lot of people on the Square, but Christian and Syed will remain strong and united.
"I am very excited about the things that are coming up - I wish I could tell you more! If it happens the way I've been led to believe, it'll blow everyone's socks off!"
Asked whether Christian would be a good father, the actor replied: "He would be an amazing dad, yeah! And I think Syed would be a great dad as well. Together they're the perfect combination."
Partridge has previously insisted that Christian and Syed should not be "pulled apart for the sake of a story".
EastEnders' Roxy Mitchell only offered to have a baby for best friend Christian Clarke because she was jealous of his relationship.
Despite the single mum being drunk when she agreed to be a surrogate for Christian and his boyfriend Syed Masood (Marc Elliott), she still had the "best of intentions" with her generous offer.
However, actress Rita Simmons - who plays the bolshie blonde - doesn't think her alter-ego is addressing her envy in the right way.
She explained: "Roxy had the best of intentions when she offered to have a child for Christian and Syed. But she was probably also thinking of herself in it all. Roxy loves Christian, and would do anything for him. But she's also feeling a bit left out at the moment - she's a single mum with no man in her life.
"Meanwhile, her best friend is totally loved-up and planning a family with his boyfriend. She wants all that for herself, but carrying a baby for them isn't the best way of going about it. Sometimes I wish she'd get a little bit more depth and grow up a bit."
However, their close friendship is to be put to the test when Roxy falls for hunky newcomer Michael Moon (Steve John Shepherd), and Christian walks in on the pair having a passionate encounter.
Rita added to Inside Soap magazine: "She's supposed to be taking a pregnancy test, so Christian and Syed are livid when they find her with Michael. Christian storms off after accusing Roxy and Syed of never wanting to have a baby in the first place. He's not far wrong about Roxy.
"Eventually, she and Christian make up and she confesses that her period is late."
(C) BANG Media International
The BBC has responded to complaints from some EastEnders viewers who felt that a scene showing a popular gay couple in bed together was "inappropriate".
Responding to the complaints about the scene featuring Christian Clarke (John Partridge) and Syed Masood (Marc Elliott), who live together in the BBC soap, the broadcaster stated that the drama aims to "reflect real life" through a mixture of characters.
"This means including and telling stories about characters from many different backgrounds, faiths, religions and sexualities," an official response stated.
"We approach our portrayal of homosexual relationships in exactly the same way as we do heterosexual relationships, ensuring depictions of affection or sexuality between couples are suitable for pre-watershed viewing."
The BBC's statement continued: "We would also point out that same-sex civil partnerships became law in December 2005, giving equal rights to gay couples in the UK. The BBC cannot discriminate by treating gay characters differently to heterosexual characters.
"We have also received a lot of very positive feedback about the storyline regarding Christian and Syed's relationship."
The BBC previously defended scenes where Syed was shown slamming down the Qu'ran while struggling with his faith and sexuality.
Good on the bbc... we see heterosexual couples in bed in soaps all the time...
tammyy2j
07-07-2011, 14:47
EastEnders couple Christian and Syed will make good parents, actor John Partridge has said.
The Albert Square pair are currently working through plans to adopt a child together after Christian convinced his boyfriend, played by Marc Elliott, that they should start a family together.
Partridge told Soaplife when asked if they would make good parents: "I think so. Christian would certainly make a great dad. I hope they succeed. It would be really interesting to explore them as a family. I personally love the idea of having another child on set. I'm good with kids and enjoy having them around."
Upcoming scenes will see Syed tell Christian that he no longer wants to adopt, leading Partridge's alter ego to have an emotional showdown with Zainab (Nina Wadia).
Partridge said of Syed: "I think he still has this idea that anybody gay shouldn't raise a child. It's a bit of a stumbling block. Christian doesn't have any issues. He wants Syed to step out of the closet and accept who he is."
On the possibility of Syed finding out that his ex-wife Amira departed Albert Square while pregnant, he added: "It would all depend on what Syed wants. Christian wants a child and if he found out Syed was already a dad I like to think he'd be compassionate enough to accept that.
"They might have a child by the end of the year. Hopefully they'll get married, too. If they did it'd be a real Elton John affair!"
Dutchgirl
07-07-2011, 20:18
Aw that would be nice. People do have to come to terms that in real life this is happening as well.
EastEnders star Marc Elliott has warned that Syed and Christian's relationship will become increasingly strained in the coming months.
Syed is in for a shock later this week when his estranged wife Amira returns to drop the bombshell that she has a baby girl named Yasmin and he is the father.
As previously reported, the surprising developments leave Christian (John Partridge) out in the cold as Amira does not want him to be involved in the child's life following their turbulent history. This prompts Syed to spend time with Yasmin and Amira in secret next week.
Elliott told Inside Soap: "There's certainly no happy ending in sight for Christian and Syed at the moment. There's definitely a massive falling-out in store for them - I've just been filming it.
"Perhaps they might be happy again by next year, though."
The actor added that he is thrilled over the return of Preeya Kalidas, who plays Amira.
"It's lovely having her back on set," he explained. "I've worked so much with Johnny Partridge and the Masood family, who I love, but it's great having the new dynamic that Preeya brings. She's come in and shifted everything round again."
EastEnders continues tonight at 7.30pm on BBC One.
EastEnders star John Partridge has assured fans that Christian and Syed's forthcoming break-up will not be the end for the couple. :eek:
Christian packs up his things and leaves Albert Square in a black cab next week in the aftermath of being accused of molesting Ben Mitchell.
Although Christian's innocence is quickly established, he believes that Syed (Marc Elliott) doubted him over the matter - and declares that he cannot cope with the lack of trust in their relationship for any longer.
Partridge told Inside Soap of the storyline: "They're on very rocky ground. Up until now, Christian has been holding on to the fact that they really love each other - but he feels that every time the finger of blame is pointed at him, it's never Syed's first instinct to trust Christian.
"It's hard for him to go, but he and Syed have said some unspeakable things to each other."
However, he added: "Don't worry, there can only be one mother of a make-up after the mother of all break-ups. The pair have a definite split, but there's so much more to come. When will I be back? Here's a clue… jingle bells!"
EastEnders viewers have also recently seen Christian and Syed pushed to breaking point by Amira's return and Yusef Khan's meddling.
EastEnders star John Partridge has promised that his character Christian Clarke and partner Syed Masood will return to the forefront of the soap in the next few months.
Christian and Syed (Marc Elliott) have had quieter times in Walford since their latest storyline with Amira Shah (Preeya Kalidas) concluded in March.
Partridge told Loose Women today (April 25): "I think it's good to rest a character now and then, because on a continuing drama or a soap, people do get sick of seeing you four nights a week.
"They sort of don't want to listen to your story anymore. So I think when you've had a really big story like Marc and I have both had, it's good to take a little bit of downtime to step away from that, because the audience do get fed up of seeing you.
"But, that being said, we have had a rest and we will be coming back with something in the coming months."
Asked whether he is sticking with EastEnders, the actor replied: "I'm there for the foreseeable future, yes. And as I say, we do have a new story coming."
Viewers saw Christian finally bury the hatchet with Syed's mother Zainab (Nina Wadia) last month.
EastEnders star Nitin Ganatra has teased what lies in store for Syed Masood (Marc Elliott).
The 45-year-old actor, who plays Syed's father Masood Ahmed on the soap, told the BBC Asian Network that Syed will soon return to his old "dodgy" ways.
Syed, who was caught stealing money from the family business in his younger days, has appeared to settle down in the past couple of years, but Ganatra suggested that the character will soon have a new storyline where his 'flaws' comes to the fore again.
On what Syed will be up to in future episodes, Ganatra replied: "All of his shenanigans. I don't know if you remember, Syed when he first came on the show was into businesses, and was doing some dodgy dealings with money and stuff like that.
"I think it's a return to that kind of character, who is always up to something dodgy when it comes to money.
"I think it's good to return to the origins of a character, just to refresh it a little bit, and I think it's gone back to that. He wants to make a name for himself financially, but Syed's character is flawed like the best characters are. He messes it up again."
EastEnders viewers have recently seen Syed forced to close down his latest business, while it has been rumoured that newcomer Danny Pennant (Gary Lucy) will be involved in a love triangle with Syed and Christian Clarke (John Partridge) when he arrives in Walford.
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