EastEnders' Ellie Dadd speaks out about harrowing Amy and Craig story

EastEnders star Ellie Dadd, who plays Amy Mitchell, has taken to Instagram to thank viewers who've reached out to her upon the conclusion of her grim grooming storyline.

Amy was targeted by creepy copper Craig Ingram, who used his knowledge of her attack on Joel Marshall to manipulate her into seeing him as her saviour.

He was fired from his job in the police after a slew of accusations from female colleagues over his inappropriate conduct, and when he learned of Amy's impending inheritance, he convinced her to flee Walford with him.

Related: EastEnders reveals Craig's fate after Amy twist in early iPlayer release

Her father, Jack, mounted a rescue mission alongside Sean Slater in an attempt to bring her home, while in the bedsit they were hiding in, Craig's behaviour got increasingly disturbing.

After he attempted to force himself on her, Amy hit him with a candle holder, killing him, before escaping the bedsit and returning home to her family.

Uploading a picture of herself to her Instagram Story sporting Amy's injury makeup, she wrote an impassioned caption reacting to the love she'd received in the wake of the plot.

"l just wanted to take a moment to say a huge thank you to everyone who has taken the time to send such kind, thoughtful and supportive messages this week," she began.

"It's been a particularly big and emotional week for Amy on screen, tackling incredibly difficult and sensitive subjects.

Related: 10 huge EastEnders spoilers for next week (9 to 12 November)

"Stories like these are so important in raising awareness, starting conversations and most importantly helping people feel seen, heard and less alone.

"I feel incredibly grateful to have been trusted to be part of telling this story, and I can only hope that in some small way it has helped survivors feel understood, encouraged others to speak out, or reminded anyone going through something similar that they are not alone.

"I know the past couple of months have been a hard watch and very uncomfortable at times but that's exactly why we do stories like this.

"Thank you again for all the love and support, it genuinely means more than you know."

EastEnders has been working on Amy's grooming storyline with support from Barnardo's and End Violence Against Women, with support and information available via their websites.

EastEnders airs on Mondays - Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.