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Marc Elliott: I don’t want to be remembered as that gay muslim from EastEnders


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Old 16-10-2012, 01:49
lawsj123
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SOAP star Marc Elliott insists he had to quit EastEnders because he was afraid he would only be remembered for playing “the gay muslim”.

Actor Marc has now finished filming his final explosive scenes for EastEnders, which air next month.

While tonight his character Syed Masood is set to marry long-term boyfriend Christian Clarke (played by John Partridge, BBC1 7.30pm).

Marc broke down taboos when Syed became soap’s first openly gay muslim, sparking 125 complaints when the pair were shown kissing in bed before the 9pm watershed.

But after almost four years he admits that, despite his pride at being involved in the role, he feared it would overshadow the rest of his acting career.

Marc, now starring in Tape in London’s West End, said: “I didn’t want to be remembered as that lad from EastEnders, the gay muslim. That’s why you get into the business, to find new characters.”

Syed and TV boyfriend Christian were such a hit with EastEnders fans they were nicknamed “Chryed” — although privately Marc had dubbed his character “Dryed” because he thought he was dull.

However, his final scenes will be anything but dull as Syed faces the fallout over his fling with Walford newcomer Danny Pennant, played by Gary Lucy.

Tonight’s wedding will even be attended by bailiffs as Syed’s financial issues spiral out of control.

He said: “Syed’s screwing his family over again. And he snogs Danny. Then punches him in the face, as you do in Walford.”

But in Tape his character Vince is a violent drug-dealing dropout, the complete opposite of Syed. Marc admits he was looking for the most challenging role he could find and went straight to the stage without a break after his punishing TV filming schedule.

He said: “I chose stage to scare me, stage was a medium I hadn’t done for years, after so many years on telly.

“And it’s a meaty role and totally different. Vince is a bit Machiavellian.

“This character is wired, in-your-face and unpredictable, all the things that are great to play.”

While Syed might have been an earnest character, the role was significant for highlighting the turmoil faced by people whose sexuality is at odds with their religion. Marc said: “Playing Syed meant I’ve had loads of letters from people of all religions coming to terms with their sexuality.
“That’s what I am proud of most, portraying a normal, loving gay relationship.

“That’s quite an important thing, it’s normalising it, two men being affectionate with each other.

“And when someone tells you they’ve found the strength to tell their parents, you feel proud.” And despite the BBC receiving complaints about his steamier scenes, Marc insists he’s nearly always been warmly received.
He said: “The biggest fans of Syed and Christian’s storyline are women who love the love angle.

“The BBC and myself anticipated an adverse reaction. I had only one comment in the street in Manchester. Someone called me a n** jockey in the street, which I thought was hilarious.”

Marc reveals it took hours to film his steamy EastEnders snogging scenes with Danny — because they could hear cheering when former colleague Cheryl Fergison (who played Heather Trott) went in to the Celebrity Big Brother house at nearby Elstree Studios.

He said: “When filming kiss scenes with Danny, we could hear the cheering, so we had to keep doing a few takes.
“Gary’s a really nice chap, and great fun. We had a laugh.”
Fans will be on the edge of their seats tonight to see whether Syed and Christian actually go through with the wedding. Things are complicated further when Syed’s former wife Amira (Preeya Kalidas) returns to Walford too.
Marc revealed of his exit: “I have a mini fling with Danny... will he, won’t he marry Christian, will he, won’t he leave the Square?

“Syed’s been naughty, he’s stolen £15,000 from his mum. And then of course Amira returns.

“There is major confrontation between Christian and I about everything because it transpires that something else took place with Danny.”

Even though he’s looking forward to his move away from the soap, Marc said: “The great thing about EastEnders for me is that I struck gold with the Masoods. They’re not mother and father, they’re brother and sister too. They’re like a real family.”

And he admitted he’s already missing cast mates — even Steve McFadden who plays hardman Phil Mitchell. “Everyone’s nice on the show, even Phil Mitchell. He’s a pussycat.”

Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/4591772/Marc-Elliott-I-quit-EastEnders-because-I-didnt-want-to-be-remembered-as-shows-gay-muslim.html#ixzz29Q0PL2Um
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Old 16-10-2012, 01:52
monalisa62003
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LOL what he said about steve

but i thought i read marc was always going to stay for only 3 years

oh dear did syed sleep with danny ?
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Old 16-10-2012, 02:33
Joe_Zel
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"although privately Marc had dubbed his character “Dryed” because he thought he was dull."

Couldn't agree more.
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Old 16-10-2012, 02:54
Lousiana
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Says a lot that even the actor thought his character was dull.
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Old 16-10-2012, 02:54
SULLA
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If he is serious, he will get a proper haircut and smarten himself up.
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Old 16-10-2012, 03:02
felixrex
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If he is serious, he will get a proper haircut and smarten himself up.
Why? Doesn't anybody write scruffy or long-haired characters anymore?
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Old 16-10-2012, 03:24
rick182
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is he gay in real life?
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Old 16-10-2012, 03:56
Dannielle_Howel
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When will Amira be back btw? Spoilers don't mention details for a small return, will it be tonights ep (16/10/2012)?
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Old 16-10-2012, 04:03
Makson
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You won't be Marc. In fact, your character won't be remembered at all in a year's time
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Old 16-10-2012, 05:53
towers
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You won't be Marc. In fact, your character won't be remembered at all in a year's time
No, that would be the likes of Anthony and Rose. :sleep: As Masood and Zainab's gay son, he'll be remembered more than some characters and could even return for a short guest stint like Carly.
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Old 16-10-2012, 05:57
towers
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When will Amira be back btw? Spoilers don't mention details for a small return, will it be tonights ep (16/10/2012)?
No, start of November for just a couple of episodes. I don't think she'll have a significant role to play, possibly one of the reasons Syed moves away via Yasmin.
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Old 16-10-2012, 07:43
MissLola
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Punishing filming schedule ... the guy had more time off than a WAG. That being said it seems that Marc Elliot didn't like playing Syed, didn't like the character that he found dull and is happy he's free now. Lol at marc Elliot basically, saying what several of us have been saying for a while, Chryed caters to romance loving fangirls. No hint of " a door being left open" for the character.

His exit storyline is woeful and boring.
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Old 16-10-2012, 08:04
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He should be proud that he was involved in such a brave story, even if the character was dull.
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Old 16-10-2012, 08:10
dazza89
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I dont blame him for saying he was dull, EE totally waisted any character development with him once they paired him up with Christian, I dont blame him for leaving tho nice to hear he is proud of the role, he was part of a really important storyline that will go down in the shows history, I dont think he will be forgotton about so easily.
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Old 16-10-2012, 08:16
Deadhead
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I dont blame him for saying he was dull, EE totally waisted any character development with him once they paired him up with Christian, I dont blame him for leaving tho nice to hear he is proud of the role, he was part of a really important storyline that will go down in the shows history, I dont think he will be forgotton about so easily.
I agree. He will be remembered for this story and so he should be. I think the character has run its course and its time to leave but I also think it was a key moment in the soap's history and he is lucky to be associated with it.
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Old 16-10-2012, 08:31
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LOL I love how down he is on the whole thing.
In fairness he did start off as interesting and Marc Eliot did a great job. You could tell how bored he was after he got with Christian. I think by punishing he means 'hard going'.
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Old 16-10-2012, 08:34
KatrinaK
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I dont blame him for saying he was dull, EE totally waisted any character development with him once they paired him up with Christian, I dont blame him for leaving tho nice to hear he is proud of the role, he was part of a really important storyline that will go down in the shows history, I dont think he will be forgotton about so easily.
Absolutely this.

IMO Syed always had potential but he was wasted under BK who didn't care to develop him (or even Christian who is a flamboyant care-free character). Both suffered under his rule and it's even more apparent when you compare their developement to how it was under Santer. Granted they were part of a on-going story back then - but it was a very interesting one, and there was a much greater community interaction back then too, not just with Chryed but the whole cast.

I think it's fair to suggest Marc got bored and that's why he left. I can't say I blame him after being reduced to a glorified extra these past two years.

Syed may have become dull, even Christian too, to some extent but they’ll always be remembered for the gay couple who broke boundaries and were part of a ground breaking story. I also think as a gay pairing, they’ll both be tough act to follow in terms of popularity. Love them or loath them, there is no denying their story and ‘coupledom’ has been met with an overly positive response.

I wish Marc and Johnny both the best and I look forward to seeing Marc in tape next week.
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Old 16-10-2012, 08:35
Deadhead
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Absolutely this.

IMO Syed always had potential but he was wasted under BK who didn't care to develop him (or even Christian who is a flamboyant care-free character). Both suffered under his rule and it's even more apparent when you compare their developement to how it was under Santer. Granted they were part of a on-going story back then - but it was a very interesting one, and there was a much greater community interaction back then too, not just with Chryed but the whole cast.

I think it's fair to suggest Marc got bored and that's why he left. I can't say I blame him after being reduced to a glorified extra these past two years.

Syed may have become dull, even Christian too some extent but they’ll always be remembered for the gay couple who broke boundaries and were part of a ground breaking story. I also think as a gay pairing, they’ll both be tough act to follow in terms of popularity. Love them or loath them, there is no denying their story and ‘coupledom’ has been met with an overly positive response.

I wish Marc and Johnny both the best and I look forward to seeing Marc in tape next week.
Totally agree
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Old 16-10-2012, 08:48
MissLola
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Absolutely this.

IMO Syed always had potential but he was wasted under BK who didn't care to develop him (or even Christian who is a flamboyant care-free character). Both suffered under his rule and it's even more apparent when you compare their developement to how it was under Santer. Granted they were part of a on-going story back then - but it was a very interesting one, and there was a much greater community interaction back then too, not just with Chryed but the whole cast.

I think it's fair to suggest Marc got bored and that's why he left. I can't say I blame him after being reduced to a glorified extra these past two years.

Syed may have become dull, even Christian too, to some extent but they’ll always be remembered for the gay couple who broke boundaries and were part of a ground breaking story. I also think as a gay pairing, they’ll both be tough act to follow in terms of popularity. Love them or loath them, there is no denying their story and ‘coupledom’ has been met with an overly positive response.

I wish Marc and Johnny both the best and I look forward to seeing Marc in tape next week.
Do you have stats to back up that claim that?

I don't agree that storyline was ground breaking as the religion aspect was downplayed in favour of the romeo and romeo aspect. Ultimately Aaron's coming out was more groundbreaking because it was the story of a lad who came out because he had to come out for his own sanity, not the typical gay boy in the closet meets man of his life and dragged out of the closet after loads of cheating. Adding muslim to a storyline doesn't make it groundbreaking. EE is decades behind HO and ED, which despite not spending their time bragging about how groundbreaking they are, are actually capable of writing gay characters without reducing the characters to their sexuality.
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Old 16-10-2012, 08:54
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EE is decades behind HO and ED, which despite not spending their time bragging about how groundbreaking they are, are actually capable of writing gay characters without reducing the characters to their sexuality.
EastEnders recently had Ben, whose storylines were in no way reduced to his sexuality.
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Old 16-10-2012, 09:12
MissLola
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EastEnders recently had Ben, whose storylines were in no way reduced to his sexuality.
Ben was clearly a step in the right direction.
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Old 16-10-2012, 09:16
KatrinaK
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I don't agree that storyline was ground breaking as the religion aspect was downplayed in favour of the romeo and romeo aspect. Ultimately Aaron's coming out was more groundbreaking because it was the story of a lad who came out because he had to come out for his own sanity, not the typical gay boy in the closet meets man of his life and dragged out of the closet after loads of cheating. Adding muslim to a storyline doesn't make it groundbreaking. EE is decades behind HO and ED, which despite not spending their time bragging about how groundbreaking they are, are actually capable of writing gay characters without reducing the characters to their sexuality.
I don't watch Emmerdale but I heard the responses so I don't doubt you that it was a ground breaking story. I don’t watch HO either, though I dip in now and every full moon.

I can't possibly compare EastEnders to gay portrayals in other soaps, as I don't watch but I can give my own opinion on why I consider Christian and Syed's story to be ground breaking in EastEnders...

Yes it was a love story with the whole Romeo and Romeo element, but it was also about a Gay Muslim reconciling his faith with his sexuality. Now this is a big thing for soap. It's never been done before and EE took a big risk running with it. According to Santer, the story was going to be scrapped right up until the last minute, at the fear of a huge public backlash. However they ran with it. Homosexuality still has a way to go in Britain until it’s free from oppressive attitudes that exist. A Gay Muslim however, there is such a huge stigmatisation associated with that – and that’s exactly why it was ground-breaking. The issue is a contemporary one, and an issue that’s stayed silent for a long time. We've had plenty of gay storylines in soap before and the discrimination, abandonment that one faces, but EE gave us something completely original with Syed's story.

EE did well to explore the complexities, the issues and the emotional turmoil that persist in being in a culture that absolutely abhors homosexuality. I’ll always consider NYD 2010 (Syed and Amira’s wedding) as one of the best, and my personal favourite episode of last decade because it really bought home the unfortunate reality of a lot of real life Syeds(and Amiras) out there. Even the Masood, Zainab and Christian’s. There is a reason why Marc, Johnny and Nina have received letters from people in similar situation, because it very much exists and I do think EE were very brave with the storyline.
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Old 16-10-2012, 09:29
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I don't watch Emmerdale but I heard the responses so I don't doubt you that it was a ground breaking story. I don’t watch HO either, though I did in now and every full moon.

I can't possibly compare EastEnders to gay portrayals in other soaps but I can give my own opinion on why I consider Christian and Syed's story to be ground breaking...

Yes it was a love story with the whole Romeo and Romeo element, but it was also about a Gay Muslim reconciling his faith with his sexuality. Now this is a big thing for soap. It's never been done before and EE took a big risk running with it. According to Santer, the story was going to be scrapped right up until the last minute, at the fear of a huge public backlash. However they ran with it. Homosexuality still has a way to go in Britain until it’s free from oppressive attitudes that exist. A Gay Muslim however, there is such a huge stigmatisation associated with that – and that’s exactly why it was ground-breaking. The issue is a contemporary one, and an issue that’s stayed silent for a long time. We've had plenty of gay storylines in soap before and the discrimination, abandonment that one faces, but EE gave us something completely original with Syed's story.

EE did well to explore the complexities, the issues and the emotional turmoil that persist in being in a culture that absolutely abhors homosexuality. I’ll always consider NYD 2010 (Syed and Amira’s wedding) as one of the best, and my personal favourite episodes of last decade because it really bought home the unfortunate reality of a lot of real life Syed (and Amira’s) out there. Even the Masood, Zainab and Christian’s. There is a reason why Marc, Johnny and Nina have received letters from people in similar situation, because it very much exists and I do think EE were very brave with the storyline.
Actors always say that they receive letters, it's part of the EE bragging/pr machine. Personally, I don't think it was groundbreaking and I did find the religion aspect was nothing more than a pretext to keep Christian and Syed apart rather than being fully explored in an intelligent or groundbreaking way. It was a copy of HO Mcdean with the word muslim popping up in every episode.
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Old 16-10-2012, 09:54
KatrinaK
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I think we’re going to have to agree to disagree.

If it was just a gay story with the word Muslim slotted in now and again, Syed wouldn’t have been emotionally blackmailed in marriage, Amira wouldn’t have been a sham, Syed’s parents wouldn’t have disowned him for a year, Syed wouldn’t have tried to kill himself, be told by his mum he was better of dead than alive, rejected from his local mosque, sought out therapy as an attempt to “cure” himself of his “gay illness”, Christian wouldn’t have been beaten by Amira’s father, and Amira wouldn’t have ended up being seen as damaged goods by her father.
I don’t think it was McDean with a Muslim tag line. I watched some of McDean on youtube a couple of years back.

EE did well to explore the ramifications, consequences and some of the realities of being a Gay Muslim. Of course I would have hoped for more, and I’m not suddenly buying Zainabs sudden friendship with Christian but I do think under Santers rule, EE did the story justice and made a visable effort to differentiate the story with the ones that had gone before them, and the shows competitors. For me it's not about which story was better (though I couldn't compare anyway) but that the story was different.
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Old 16-10-2012, 09:59
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I do think that if Kirkwood never came to EE, or if he did and actually used Syed/Christian in a decent storyline, he'd of stayed no doubt. He got bored, how many episodes did he appear in for the first half of the year? Not many. Shame imo.
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