EastEnders and Strictly star Molly Rainford has revealed her pride at being involved in the soap’s new drink spiking storyline – as her friends have previously been real-life victims.
On Tuesday’s episode, viewers will see Molly’s character Anna Knight get spiked on a night out at ‘Peggy’s’ – in what is being billed as the new big issue storyline for the B.B.C One soap. Initially, Anna’s friends Felix (Matthew Morrison), Freddie (Bobby Brazier), and sister Gina (Francesca Hardy) will put her sudden odd behaviour down to being drunk. But it soon becomes evident that her behaviour is disproportionate to the small amount of alcohol she has actually consumed and she’s rushed to hospital. The soap’s worked closely with charities to make sure they tackle the issue effectively. But Molly, 23, tells the Mirror she’s already seen to horrors of drink spiking up close.
EastEnders’ Anna Knight (played by Molly Rainford) in hospital after her drink was spiked (
B.B.C/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
“My friends have been spiked,” says the actress from London’s Havering. “This happens to people to my age. [That’s why] I was so pleased when EastEnders told me I was going to have this storyline.” It’s a warning that is needed. According to Government stats, there were 1,903 that “could be related to spiking” reported in 2019. Yet the latest available figures, for the year ending December 2023, reveal that figure has now risen to 6,732. It was estimated that one in 10 young people have had a drink spiked. Other surveys warn the number of those affected who regularly go out socially could actually be as high as seven in 10.
“It’s great that Eastenders are highlighting drink spiking,” adds Molly, “and [that I get to] warn young people of the dangers.” Since first joining Albert Square last year, Molly has been involved in some of Walford’s most dramatic storylines. The Knight family – father George, stepmum Elaine and Anna’s fiery older sister Gina – were revealed as the new owner landlords of the Queen Vic pub.
Anna Knight (Molly Rainford) in Peggy’s before she is spiked (
B.B.C/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
George is played by James Bond and Prime Suspect star Colin Salmon, who has appeared in films and shows alongside Hollywood’s biggest names, including London Has Fallen with Gerard Butler, and 24 with Kiefer Sutherland. Meanwhile Molly’s onscreen mum is Cindy Beale – who returned last May, 25 years after viewers thought she’d been killed. Michelle Collins’ return from the dead has been a huge hit with both viewers and Molly.
“To work with Michelle who is so iconic as Cindy Beale and have her play my mum is so great,” Molly says. “And I am also really lucky to have Colin [Salmon] as my dad. He’s really sweet and it’s amazing to me how much he’s done – I look at this career and think ‘Wow! – it’s incredible to be working alongside him.’”
Molly first found fame when she became the youngest ever finalist on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent at the time when she competed in the 2012. At the age of 11, she wowed Simon Cowell and the other BGT judges, as she belted out Jennifer Hudson’s One Night Only, before eventually losing out to winning dog act Ashleigh and Pudsey. She then went on play the title role in CBBC comedy drama Nova Jones as an intergalactic pop star before her big acting break in EastEnders.
While on the soap her character is dating stepbrother Bobby Beale, off-screen she is loved up with fellow Strictly star Tyler West.
They met when they both competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2022. Molly was partnered with Carlos Gu and DJ and presenter Tyler danced with Diane Buswell, but sparks soon flew between them behind the scenes and the couple moved in together earlier this year.
Molly Rainford with live-in boyfriend and fellow 2022 Strictly contestant Tyler West
Speaking at the launch party of new Soho London bar Albert’s Schloss, Tyler, 28, says: “Our relationship does feel like a whirlwind! We started dating last January and we moved in together this January and it is all thanks to Strictly. I will always be grateful to Strictly – it brought us together.”
With the news of Graziano di Prima ‘s immediate dismissal and the ongoing probe into claims about Giovanni Pernice, Strictly might be thankful to hear some good news this weekend. Meanwhile Tyler is also thankful that he and Molly’s romance has never been a subject of scandal – unlike others who have got together over the series. He adds: “It’s wild how many Strictly romances have involved cheating. I’m so happy that when Molly and I met, we were both single—there was no Strictly curse!
“I think it helps when you’re already a performer before you sign up – as otherwise lines can get blurred. I was fuming when Molly had her first k.i.s.s on ‘Enders but then I met the actor and he was nice so I relaxed.” On the key to their relationship, the DJ and presenter says: “We’re really good friends and have an amazing time together. I’m very lucky.”
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Source: CNN
