BBC defends 'EastEnders' Qu'ran treatment

The BBC has responded to complaints from EastEnders viewers unhappy with the treatment of the Qu'ran in recent episodes.

In a statement, the corporation confirmed that viewers have complained about the way Syed Masood (Marc Elliott) had slammed down the Qu'ran.

"As regular viewers will know, Syed has been struggling to come to terms with his sexuality for some time now," the BBC said.

"Desperate not to lose his family, Syed is trying to suppress his homosexuality and has vowed to read and learn from the Qu'ran in an attempt to reconnect with his Muslim faith, hoping that this will help him in his quest.

"Feeling unable to reconcile his feelings for another man with his religious beliefs, Syed slams down the Qu'ran in frustration."

The statement added: "It was not intended to be a disrespectful act, rather a totally spontaneous one, symbolic of Syed's utter confusion and frustration at what feels like an impossible situation.

"It wasn't our intention to cause any offence."

Last week, the BBC dismissed complaints that an ongoing EastEnders storyline featuring Lucas Johnson (Don Gilet) is offensive to Christians.