Shock EastEnders stabbing as major show character fights for life

Gray was left fighting for his life (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron) Gray Atkins (Toby-Alexander Smith) was left fighting for his life in EastEnders after a prison showdown with Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt). Ian is currently behind bars after receiving an eight-month sentence for unknowingly knocking down Jordan Fox (Jahsaiah Williams) while over the limit. His nightmare was made worse when he discovered that Gray, Jordan’s serial killer father who claimed the lives of several Walford favourites, was a fellow inmate. Determined to worm his way into Jordan’s life, Gray used Ian to his own end, manipulating the former councillor into thinking that he wouldn’t make it to the end of his sentence unscathed. Desperate to ensure his future, Ian begged Gray for his protection. Gray offers him said protection in exchange for Ian organising a visit with Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams). Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Ian did as he was told, with Chelsea horrified when she came face-to-face with Gray. The bigger shock came moments later when she uncovered Gray’s twisted plan to have nan Sheila (Sheila Ruskin) kidnap Jordan to take him out of the country. Ian fears the incident may lead to a longer sentence (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron) With assistance from Denise (Diane Parish) and Kim (Tameka Empson), Sheila’s plot was foiled. Gray was irate in the aftermath of such a thing and took his frustrations out on Ian, believing the Walford legend to have tipped Chelsea off about where Sheila was intending to take Jordan – but this simply wasn’t true. Fearing for his life, Ian reached for the bladed weapon Gray had provided him with earlier in the week only to discover it had vanished. Gray held the weapon in question. Ian desperately tried to talk him out of doing anything rash. Gray put the blade down and talked about missing out on being a dad to Jordan and, when Ian spotted a chance, he attempted to grab the item. Is Gray out of the woods? (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron) A struggle ensued, with Gray getting stabbed. Ian called for help as Gray told him to tell Jordan he loves him. Ian was apprehended and feared what his future might look like if Gray doesn’t pull through, assuring authorities that it was an accident. Back on the Square, Chelsea got wind of what happened and paid Gray a visit in the hospital, branding him a ‘controlling bully’, making it clear that she isn’t afraid of him any more. ‘Didn’t win Gray’, she said, walking away from the twisted killer. Is this the end for Gray? And has the incident impacted on Ian’s future? We know he’s out of jail come New Year’s Day thanks to the flashforward episode, but just how much longer will he be forced to spend behind bars? Deals of the Day Parents can save up to 30% on Kickers school shoes ahead of the new term The back-to-school hack that's helping parents avoid queues and sold-out sizes Could your hair be wavy rather than straight? This brand thinks so Could your star sign improve your skincare routine? This new beauty launch thinks so Best skincare for menopausal skin? This dermatologist-created treatment is tailored to you EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer. If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. Arrow MORE: EastEnders confirms Gray’s next victim as killer strikes again Arrow MORE: Child kidnap rocks Walford as Chelsea’s nightmare becomes reality in EastEnders Arrow MORE: Sheila and Gray exposed in EastEnders as Chelsea uncovers their plan – but it’s not over The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.