Eastenders has had a big ol' year, with Bradley breaking his neck over Christmas, Stacey going mental, that kid having sex with Hev and, well, the biggest of the lot was the story of Syed Masood. In case you don't watch the show, Syed is a gay Muslim and, naturally, that's caused a few ruffled feathers. Now the actor who plays the soapy dreamboat - Marc Elliott - has admitted that he has received homophobic abuse in the street over the storyline. How depressing is that?
Elliott says that there's been a mixed response to the long-running plot - with some fans embracing the story and others keen to voice their disapproval.
"Since playing Syed I have really got it in the neck when I'm out. A lot of people are supportive but there is still a huge amount of negativity."
Elliott said that he is able to laugh off the abuse, adding: "I haven't been threatened but there's a lot of cat-calling in the street. Any insult, I've had it thrown at me.
"It's an incredibly important part. In so many cultures being gay is still something swept under the carpet."
Elliott won the 'Best Newcomer' prize at the British Soap Awards which is on ITV1 tonight at 7.30pm.
