'EastEnders' Marc Elliott didn't want 'gay Muslim typecasting'

Departing EastEnders star Marc Elliott has explained that he left the show to avoid becoming typecast.

The actor, who has played Syed Masood since 2009, will be making his on-screen exit in November before starring in a West End play.



Elliott is quoted by The Sun as saying: "I didn't want to be remembered as that lad from EastEnders, the gay Muslim. That's why you get into the business, to find new characters."

Reflecting on his time on the show, Elliott added: "Playing Syed meant I've had loads of letters from people of all religions coming to terms with their sexuality.

"That's what I am proud of most, portraying a normal, loving gay relationship. That's quite an important thing, it's normalising it, two men being affectionate with each other."



Syed and Christian wed tonight (October 16) and will become the first gay couple on a soap to have a civil partnership.

Elliott added: "And when someone tells you they've found the strength to tell their parents, you feel proud. The biggest fans of Syed and Christian's storyline are women who love the love angle.

"The BBC and myself anticipated an adverse reaction. I had only one comment in the street in Manchester. Someone called me a k**b-jockey in the street, which I thought was hilarious."