KNIFE CRIME
When did Shakil die on EastEnders, why was he and Keegan stabbed and what’s the knife crime storyline about?
EASTENDERS fans were shocked as Keegan Baker and Shakil Kazemi became victims of a brutal knife attack.
The horrific story line was written to mark the tenth anniversary of the death of former star Brooke Kinsella's brother - here's everything you need to know...
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What is the Eastenders stabbing story line about?
EastEnders tackled the growing issue of knife crime when school friends Shakil Kazemi and Keegan Baker were set upon by a gang.
As the Walford locals celebrated Harry and Meghan’s wedding, Keegan, played by Zack Morris, was in a rush to get back to the Square so he stole a bike.
Back at the flat he clashed with mum Karen (played by Lorraine Stanley) over his lateness and, during their row, the TV got knocked over.
The Taylors headed to the pub to watch the Royal Wedding instead and Keegan showed his new bike off to Shakil Kazemi.
However, Shakil was far from impressed with his light-fingered mate and took matters into his own hands by attempting to return it himself.
But the situation soon got out of control as the thugs turned up at the Vic looking for Keegan, forcing the teen to hide in the toilets.
When Mick Carter (Danny Dyer) kicked the gang out, Keegan realised what Shakil had done and rushed outside to see the bike was gone.
Keegan then spots one of the gang members in the alleyway but before he has a chance to confront him he is stabbed.
He then sees Shakil in the doorway, realising that he too has been stabbed.
Keegan was taken to hospital but Shakil had gone missing after Mick Carter turned him away thinking he was drunk.
Walford residents start to notice that Shakil has gone missing and become increasingly concerned.
He's discovered but it's too late, doctors tell his family that his injuries were too severe and that he hasn't survived.
Grieving Keegan Baker struggles to cope with his friend's death and sets out to seek violent revenge against the gang member who killed him.
Likewise, mum Carmel battled with the heartbreaking news and attempted to take her own life.
However, after stumbling upon Shakil's wristwatch that had been missing since the murder, she was convinced that this was not the route to take.
Now, the grieving mother is campaigning for knife control within the community while dealing with her loss.
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Why did Eastenders choose to do a knife crime story line?
The horrific story line focuses on youth gang culture and was inspired by real life murder of former star Brooke Kinsella's brother.
The actress has been working with bosses to mark the tenth anniversary since 16-year-old Ben Kinsella was killed while out celebrating the end of his GCSEs in north London in an unprovoked attack in 2008.
Talking about the upcoming episodes, Brooke said: “It is now 10 years since we lost Ben to this horrific crime and it is impossible to put into words how Ben’s murder has affected my family.
"I commend the EastEnders team for choosing this storyline to portray the realities of knife crime.
"It simply destroys lives forever. We need to do more to help people understand this, especially young people."
When is Shakil's funeral?
Shakil's funeral will take place tonight (July, 6, 2018).
The episode will start slightly later than usual - it'll run from 9:30pm until 10pm
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Did Keegan survive the stabbing?
Shakil Kazemi suffers a fatal wound in the attack but Keegan survives his stabbing.
The 21-year-old has been in the role less than two years and his departure follows hot on the heels of Richard Blackwood, Lee Ryan, Jenna Russell and Maggie Steed, who have all left or are about to leave the Square.
Speaking on This Morning, Shaheen Jafargholi said that in his final scenes as Shakil: "You really get to see the gory details of how serious this issue is, which is so important at the minute."
The actor said that leaving the soap is "going to be weird."
Adding: "I feel so blessed to be able to leave with such an incredible storyline. It means so much."
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