EastEnders actress defends drug plot

EastEnders actress Tanya Franks has defended the current drug storyline in the BBC soap featuring Phil Mitchell.

Tanya Franks has defended the drug story featuring Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden). The actress plays Rainie Cross – the sister of Tanya Branning (Jo Joyner) who has already been established as a drug user in previous storylines.

Recently however Rainie and Phil were seen in a cocaine binge which lead to over 200 complaints from upset viewers. The drug addiction storyline featuring the Mitchell has been criticised by now actress Tanya Franks has come out to defend the plot.

“I wasn’t surprised that people complained because it’s pushed a boundary. But in my opinion, the good that comes from storylines like this far outweighs whatever concerns people might have. It’s been very well handled and as true and real as it could be before the watershed. They’ve been very brave with it and I give full credit to EastEnders for that.If EastEnders has saved one life by putting this story out it’s been worth it. We shouldn’t shy away from it. ” – Tanya Franks quoted in The Sun

The storyline has won support from some drug charities and writers reportedly put the plot together with a charity in order to raise awareness of drug addiction.

Tanya Franks is no stranger to soap having played the role of Karen Ellis in Channel Five’s Family Affairs between 2000 and 2003 and joined the cast of The Bill between 2004 and 2005 as DCI Morrell. Franks also appeared in the BBC Three comedy series Pulling and has appeared several times in EastEnders as Rainie since 2007.