‘EastEnders’ fans fuming with Kheerat as he DEFENDS evil Gray

EastEnders Kheerat Panesar and Whitney Dean
Whitney Dean confronted Kheerat Panesar for more information on Gray Atkins. (Image credit: BBC/Kieron McCarron/Jack Barnes)

EastEnders viewers were annoyed at Kheerat Panesar (Jaz Deol) during last night’s episode (Monday, Dec. 20) as he defended Gray Atkins (Toby-Alexander Smith) to Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty).

During last night’s episode, Whitney was on a mission to expose Gray and find out what happened to his deceased wife Chantelle Atkins (Jessica Plummer) after receiving an ominous warning from Gray’s former boss Laura Awoyinka (Sarah Paul) who has discovered his truly evil character.

Whitney showed up at the garage determined to find out more information about Gray’s true colours and how Chantelle tragically died after being in an abusive marriage. Soon, Kheerat showed up to find Whitney standing in the garage alone.

Kheerat was devastated when Chantelle, who he was in love with, died at the hands of her husband Gray and was ridden with guilt that he didn’t save her after she told him her plans to escape her marriage.

But, ever since Gray saved Kheerat from a house fire at Phil Mitchell's (Steve McFadden) house they've been on amicable terms.

Whitney confronted Kheerat, asking him, “You worked with Chantelle, didn’t you? Did she ever say anything to you about Gray?” 

“Like what?” he responded.

“Like… did they ever have any problems? Any arguments? Did she ever have any doubts about him?” 

Kheerat Panesar

Kheerat was hesitant to dish the dirt on Gray to Whitney. (Image credit: BBC/Kieron McCarron/Jack Barnes)

However, Kheerat was increasingly guarded as she goaded him with questions. “Is there something you want from me, Whitney?” he questioned.

Whitney then revealed that she had spoken to Gray’s boss who had told her that he’s a 'nasty piece of work,' 'manipulative' and a 'bully'. But, Kheerat refused to believe her and denied the claims. 

Whitney begged him for more information, but he said he couldn’t help her and when she pointed out that Kheerat wasn’t afraid to blame Chantelle’s death on Gray before, he was adamant that he had made a mistake and lashed out at Gray because he had no one else to blame. 

It took no time for fans to voice their annoyance at Kheerat’s defence towards Gray, despite knowing what a vile person he is...

Will Kheerat change his mind and join forces with Whitney to take down Gray? With Gray taking centre stage in EastEnders this Christmas, it seems we won't have to wait long to find out what happens next.

EastEnders airs tonight at 7:30pm on BBC1— see our TV Guide for full listings. 

Grace Morris
Staff Writer

Grace is a freelancer writer with WhatToWatch.com, and she now writes for our sister site TechRadar. She graduated from Anglia Ruskin University in 2020 with a degree in Writing and Film Studies, which only made her love for creative writing, film and TV grow stronger.

You'll usually find her watching the drama unfold in the latest reality series or much-loved UK soaps (usually with chocolate by her side!). She's an expert in EastEnders, Emmerdale, Coronation Street and everything reality-related from Selling Sunset and Married At First Sight UK to 90 Day Fiancé UK. Plus Netflix megahit Virgin River!

Grace also likes to explore new places with her friends and family and, of course, watch and read about the latest films and TV series.