Actress Molly Rainford urges awareness on spiking, says Anna

EastEnders actress Molly Rainford is taking on a new and important storyline that sheds light on the issue of spiking. In a new five-part mini-series called Spiked, viewers will follow Molly’s character, Anna Knight, as her drink gets spiked during a night out.

The online shorts are accessible via a QR code displayed during the episode shown on BBC One, allowing viewers to watch the series and access resources about spiking. Molly hopes that the series will create more awareness around the issue and reach younger audiences online.

Molly, who plays Anna, says it was “really important” for her to do her research to accurately portray the experience and highlight the symptoms of spiking. She urges people to look out for their friends on nights out and be aware of any signs that something may be wrong.

The effects of spiking are something that Abbi Taylor, a victim of spiking, knows all too well. After realizing she had been spiked at a day event, Abbi experienced symptoms such as blurred vision, shaking, and the inability to move her body. She describes the feeling as “sheer panic” and says she no longer wants to go on nights out.

Dawn Dines, CEO of charity Stamp Out Spiking, hopes that featuring the issue on EastEnders will inspire conversations and help protect people from falling victim to spiking. The Metropolitan Police reports an increase in allegations of spiking, with 1,383 allegations submitted in 2023.

The government is set to introduce a new bill that makes spiking a specific criminal offense, aiming to make it easier for police to respond to reports. The law will apply in England and Wales, with any further measures in Scotland and Wales to be determined by devolved politicians.

Overall, the storyline on EastEnders is shining a light on the issue of spiking and the importance of staying vigilant and looking out for one another on nights out. It’s a timely and crucial message that is sure to resonate with viewers.