Tony Clay can relate to EastEnders' knife crime storyline after losing a mate to a similar tragedy 10 years ago.
Tony Clay as Halfway
The 26-year-old actor - who plays Callum 'Halfway' Highway in the BBC One soap - has praised Shaheen Jafargholi (Shakil Kazemi) and Zack Morris (Keegan Baker) for their "beautiful" performances in this week's episodes, which have seen their characters horrifically stabbed by a gang.
He wrote on Twitter: "10 years ago we lost a mate to knife crime & if this week's episodes can stop another family or group of mates going through that grief then the show has truly done it's job You two were beautiful & should be so proud @_Zack_Morris @shaheenofficial #Eastenders (sic)"
Lorraine Stanley - who plays Keegan's mum Karen Taylor - found the two episodes "heart-breaking" to tune into.
She tweeted: "Tonight was Heartbreaking to watch "Mum" my heart goes out to anyone affected by knife crime (sic)"
Shaheen's flat mate and former 'EastEnders' star Amy-Leigh Hickman - who played Linzi 'Star' Bragg in the soap - has also praised his and Zack's portrayal, and encouraged others to tune into the hard-hitting plot.
She wrote: "So proud of @shaheenofficial telling this amazing story so beautifully make sure you have caught up on his and @_Zack_Morris insane work! (sic)"
What's more, former 'Emmerdale' and 'Hollyoaks' actress Adele Silva commended the soap for covering the "devastating" plot.
She wrote: "Tonight's @bbceastenders utterly heartbreaking - Current & hard hitting but a story that needs to be told to educate as many people on the consequences of knife crime & the effects on everyone involved .. Devastating x (sic)"
The storyline will continue in the coming weeks, but Shakil will meet his maker on Friday (25.05.18).
Tagged in Shaheen Jafargholi