EastEnders announced on Tuesday that later in July they will begin a hard-hitting spiking storyline with Cindy Beale and George Knight’s daughter Anna Knight.
Anna, played by Molly Rainford, is currently dating Cindy’s partner and ex-husband Ian Beale’s son Bobby (Clay Milner Russell).
She is set to find herself in danger in a July 16 episode when her drink gets spiked whilst on a night out at local bar Peggy’s.
Her friends will at first think Anna has had too much to drink, before realising that alcohol wouldn’t have affected her this much.
In a first for EastEnders, an exclusive five-part miniseries will be made accessible to viewers during the episode via a QR code on-screen.
EastEnders announced on Tuesday that later in July they will begin a hard-hitting spiking storyline with Cindy Beale and George Knight’s daughter Anna Knight (Molly Rainford)
Anna, who is currently dating Bobby Beale (pictured in February), is set to find herself in danger in a July 16 episode when she gets spiked whilst on a night out at local bar Peggy’s
Her friends will at first think Anna has had too much to drink, before realising that alcohol wouldn’t have affected her this much
Viewers will experience the internal warning signs to look out for when spiked, and footage captured by Anna’s friends will showcase the outward effects the drugs have on her behaviour and mobility.
The miniseries will be available on EastEnders’ TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook accounts.
EastEnders is working with leading charities Stamp Out Spiking and WithYou as well as experts in the field to ensure the storyline is portrayed as accurately and as sensitively as possible.
Fiona Campbell, BBC Controller Youth Audience added: ‘Following the success of the recent digital collaboration with EastEnders, which saw them move into scripted content in the vertical digital format for the first time – we’re incredibly excited to step further into the this innovative area with a storyline that has great public relevance.
‘For the first time, EastEnders will incorporate a QR code within the main show, taking viewers to the spin off which will be available across multiple digital platforms reaching wider audiences, and those most affected by spiking.
‘EastEnders is one of the BBC’s highest performing shows for young audiences and driving its awareness on short form video platforms where these audiences find much of their daily content diet is a priority for us.’
Dawn Dines, CEO and Founder at Stamp Out Spiking 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.”
In a first for EastEnders, an exclusive five-part miniseries will be made accessible to viewers during the episode via a QR code on-screen (Anna pictured with father George and sister Gina)
The social media series will offer a unique insight into the incident from Anna’s own perspective, and from the perspective of her friends (Anna pictured with mother Cindy)
Viewers will experience the internal warning signs to look out for when spiked, and footage will showcase the outward effects the drugs have on her behaviour and mobility
The miniseries will be available on EastEnders’ TikTok , Instagram, and Facebook accounts (pictured: Anna in a 2023 promotional shot)
Abie Wilson, Lead Clinical Pharmacist at WithYou added: “We’d like to thank EastEnders for giving us the opportunity to work together on such an important storyline.
‘After Anna’s drink is spiked, she is helped to safety by her friends, and so we always advise being with people you trust and who will look out for you when partying.
‘For anyone affected by this storyline, or who’s experiencing challenges with drugs, alcohol, or mental health, we encourage you to access support.’
Another potential upcoming storyline for Anna is an affair with Bobby’s best friend Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier) whom she cheated on Bobby with in 2023.
Another potential upcoming storyline for Anna is an affair with Bobby’s best friend Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier) whom she cheated on Bobby with in 2023
