Gay Kiss Boosts Soap's Ratings

A kiss between two male characters helped the British soap opera EastEnders bubble to the top of its slot on Friday evening, drawing an estimated 7.9 million viewers on BBC 1.

By Julie Bolcer

A kiss between two male characters helped the British soap opera EastEnders bubble to the top of its slot on Friday evening, drawing an estimated 7.9 million viewers on BBC 1.

The controversial kiss is part of a new story line for the long-running soap in which Syed Masood, a Muslim played by Marc Elliot, struggles with his sexuality and faith. During Friday's episode, Masood kissed openly gay character Christian Clarke, played by John Partridge.

According to unofficial figures reported in The Guardian, the kiss on Friday propelled EastEnders t o an average of 7.6 million viewers and a 38% percent share between 8 and 8:30 p.m. The number of viewers peaked at 7.9 million in the final 15 minutes of the episode, when the kiss took place.

Last month, when the plotline was revealed, Muslim leaders attacked the direction.

"There's a lack of understanding of Muslims already and I think EastEnders really lost an opportunity to present a normal friendly Muslim character to the British public," Asghar Bokhari of the Muslim Public Affairs Committee told the BBC.

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Name: Marina E.
Date posted: 6/23/2009 11:35:00 PM
Hometown: Seattle

Comment:
Wow. A "free" country means ALL people and religions (or aversion to them) are allowed with equal tolerance. Of course we as LGBT, women, and people of color don't always get that. But that IS the theory isn't it? And when a prize is making out with a "chick", that sounds disrespectful to women. Are we just sex objects? How does the "prize" feel about making out with ANYONE? Men are lustful dogs. That's why many Muslim men prefer women covered from their lustful eyes or behind them in the mosque. Muslims have gay sex. They just don't like to label it/admit it. Respect all things that do no harm.
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Name: KatieMurphy66
Date posted: 6/23/2009 3:45:00 AM
Hometown: Chicago

Comment:
Cheers. One of the things I do on YouTube, since I am a college student, is encourage kids to play the gay chicken game. It happens a lot around where I go to school. And helps knock over homophobia. Some of our parties include a prize - a hot makeout session with a chick for the winner of the gay chicken elimination contest. And if this gives some homophobes a heart attack, lets realize that it prob occurs because their terrified their pants wont hide their boner. Anyway, good riddance to them.
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Name: anonymous
Date posted: 6/22/2009 7:22:00 PM
Hometown: Hometown, USA

Comment:
I wouldn't watch this show anyways, because I don't like muslims or muslim characters. Ever since they have "invaded" my town, they think they own it and are entitled to everything. They shouldn't even be allowed in 'free' countries.
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Name: Mark
Date posted: 6/22/2009 3:19:00 PM
Hometown: Seattle

Comment:
Why is this "controversial". It seems Asghar's comment is controversial.
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Name: Will
Date posted: 6/22/2009 1:52:00 PM
Hometown: Mt. Pleasant, MI

Comment:
So by this scene, everyone's going to think that all Muslims are gay? I think they don't give people credit enough and have some homophobia. Plus just for them to know, I have several straight Muslim friends. And I'm not going to start questioning their sexuality now either.
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Name: spikewebbe
Date posted: 6/22/2009 1:14:00 PM
Hometown: Boston, ma

Comment:
A kiss is just a kiss. Now, did the producers of this TV program have to get the Muslim population's permission to show this scene???
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Name: Daniel S
Date posted: 6/22/2009 12:58:00 PM
Hometown: New Hope, PA

Comment:
Indeed, it sounds as if Bokhari lacks an understanding of Western culture. Ironically, a gay Muslim is probably easier for many to relate to than a more "traditional" one. Dealing with sexuality is a common social thread and can help diminish stereotypes of Muslim men as being nothing more than women-oppressing chauvinists.
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Name: Josh
Date posted: 6/22/2009 11:34:00 AM
Hometown: Rogers, CT

Comment:
@Nick Downs - to muslims, no he wouldn't be. That's why muslim countries put us to death. I can see how this would freak them out, but good on the show, which usually shied away from the 'gay' stuff. They've always had gay characters, but never gone this far. They left that to the other soaps.
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Name: Nick Downs
Date posted: 6/22/2009 11:06:00 AM
Hometown: Tonbridge, England

Comment:
Is a gay Muslim not a 'normal' or 'friendly' character then?

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