EastEnders actor Toby-Alexander Smith has revealed his reasons behind quitting the soap.
Toby-Alexander Smith, who played serial killer Gray Atkins for three years, revealed that he left the soap to become a full-time dad.
Speaking to The Sun, the actor revealed his intentions to become a full-time dad to his daughter Bonnie, who he shares with girlfriend and Emmerdale actress, Amy Walsh.
Instead of reigning terror on Walford’s residents, his stay at home plans now include “changing nappies, breast pumps and not getting any sleep”.
He continued: “I’m very happy using this time now just to be present with Amy and Bonnie and I’m just loving every second of it.”
In last night’s dramatic episode (March 10), Gray Atkins was finally caught by the police and arrested for his crimes.
His reign of terror began in a horrific domestic abuse storyline which culminated in his wife Chantelle’s murder.
Originally signing on for six months, Toby revealed his storyline continued getting extended which resulted in him playing the twisted killer for three years.
The actor said: “The Gray killing Chantelle episode for me was the ending for Gray. I really did start counting my days – I thought that was the end and he would ultimately get caught and that would be that.”
Acting like the perfect grieving husband, Gray remained in Walford and continued his crimes.
His next victims were Tina Carter and Kush Kazemi, making him Walford’s latest serial killer.
Toby continued: “I’ve been able to explore a lot more of Gray’s character, and I’ve really enjoyed letting the storyline play out to discover more of Gray’s past.”
Toby is world’s away from Gray in real life, however, that doesn’t stop him from getting abuse from viewers.
Unable to separate him from his character, viewers get personal towards Gray and Toby explained: “For whatever reason, [they] don’t seem to be able to differentiate between Gray and myself."
Although Gray is still alive, Toby seemed to rule out a return for his character in the future.
Toby said: “I don’t know, I’m not sure the audience would be too happy about seeing Gray redeemed, I have to say."
He continued: “Who knows what’s around the corner but for right now I’m very happy to just be a full-time dad.”
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