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A recent EastEnders plot following new character Tony King's relationship with his 15-year-old step-daughter has prompted more than 200 complaints.
Last Friday's episode showed King's (Chris Coghill) introduction to Albert Square after a year in jail and included a scene where he passionately kissed a seemingly consenting Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty). The storyline suggests that he manipulated her into a relationship before being sent to prison after being charged with ABH.
The BBC has confirmed that it has received 163 complaints, while broadcasting regulator Ofcom received 41. The pre-watershed episode was watched by eight million viewers.
The broadcaster said the plot had been created "in association with the NSPCC" and in accordance with its editorial policy.
A spokeswoman said: "EastEnders has a rich heritage of tackling difficult social issues, such as domestic violence and mental health."
They added: "Our current storyline about child abuse is another such issue which had been created in association with the NSPCC and in accordance with BBC editorial policy."
