EastEnders officially announces harrowing Amy Mitchell grooming storyline

EastEnders has officially confirmed a new issue-based storyline centred on Amy Mitchell as the teen is being groomed by suspended police officer Craig Ingram.

Amy has admitted being behind the attack to Joel Marshall and has confided in Craig. For his part, he's agreed to keep Amy's secret from the police, but has failed to disclose that he's been suspended from the force after a series of complaints.

As the pair have grown closer, they shared a kiss and decided to keep their relationship under wraps from others in Walford. Now the soap has teased that Amy will be increasingly manipulated by Craig, as she's convinced he's the only one who can keep her out of prison.

The storyline will span across a series of months, with Amy eventually finding herself in danger when Craig creates an environment where the teen believes he's the only person she can trust.

EastEnders has worked closely with charities and experts in the field to ensure that Amy's story is portrayed accurately and with care.

"When telling a storyline like Amy's, we have a huge responsibility to highlight and raise awareness of the warning signs of grooming," executive producer Ben Wadey said.

"We're grateful to be working with Barando's and End Violence Against Women to help us tell this story."

Lynn Perry, Barnardo's Chief Executive added: "We welcomed the opportunity to provide expert advice on this storyline - which is a powerful reminder that there is no stereotypical victim or perpetrator of grooming.

"Young people from all walks of life can be targeted and fall victim to controlling behaviour – and many are often unaware that they are being groomed. We hope this important storyline can highlight how subtle the signs of grooming can be and how it builds over time.

"To any viewers who recognise themselves in this story – who may be currently experiencing abuse or might have in the past - we hope this storyline shows you that the abuse was not your fault and we encourage you to seek support. We appreciate the writing team's professional curiosity and determination to get this story right."

Interim Director at End Violence Against Women Coalition Janaya Walker said they're "proud" of having worked with EastEnders.

"We're proud to have worked with the EastEnders team on this storyline about grooming and police-perpetrated abuse, which has been delivered with sensitivity and care. On-screen portrayals like this have the power to shift attitudes and increase understanding of abuse across society," Walker said.

"This storyline will help raise awareness about how those in a position of trust can abuse their power to target women and girls. We hope it can play an important role in making these experiences visible and help victims watching at home to understand that what happened to them was abuse, and to seek support."

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.

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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.