Bobby Beale turns to Islam to find peace in EastEnders
EastEnders is working with the Muslim Youth Helpline on a storyline involving Bobby Beale as he begins to find peace with past events whilst exploring the Islamic faith.
“We’re thrilled to be working with the Muslim Youth Helpline on a storyline which serves to challenge preconceptions and prejudices about the role of faith in young peoples’ lives. Bobby Beale’s story will show how a young boy uses religion to help find peace and give his life meaning, structure and purpose. We hope this storyline will demonstrate the positive impact of religion in modern society.” – Jon Sen, Executive Producer (EastEnders)
Bobby recently returned to Walford after serving time in a young offenders institution for killing his older sister Lucy.
In tonight’s episode (Thursday 11th July) viewers saw Bobby meet up with his friend, Imran, from Young Offenders who he opened up about his struggles to settle back into Walford.
Referring to the cut on his head, sustained in a fight, a clearly in turmoil Bobby said that he had done it to himself and Imran encouraged him ‘to find another way… find some peace’.
Related Story: Bobby Beale returns to Walford
Viewers later saw Bobby unwrap a copy of the Quran in his bedroom.
In the coming weeks they will see Bobby explore his new faith and how it positively affects him; offering Bobby support and helping him find peace with past events.
“The Muslim Youth Helpline have been providing feedback on Bobby’s storyline with the BBC EastEnders team. In a time where young British Muslims see their faith overwhelmingly represented in a negative way, it is heartening to see Islam portrayed as a positive influence in Bobby’s life.” – Zohra Khaku Director of the Muslim Youth Helpline
Muslim Youth Helpline (MYH) is an award winning free and confidential support service set up by young people to respond to the emotional and social issues endured by Muslim youth in the UK.
