EastEnders spoilers confirm major death as 'cuckooing' story comes to an end

One resident meets a tragic fate
Joel Harley

EastEnders has confirmed that a major character will die as its ‘cuckooing’ story comes to a shocking climax this week. Over recent months, viewers have watched Kojo fall victim to a drugs operation in his flat – with Harry unable to help.

Kojo managed to raise the alarm last week, breaking free long enough to tell George and Teddy what had been going on in his home. They rushed across the street and called the police in enough time to rescue Harry – who then revealed that Ravi had been behind everything.

With Ravi turning informant, this has left Okie out in the cold. And, as the story continues tonight, he returns to find out exactly what Harry and Kojo have told the police.

But who will die as the story reaches its end?

Okie threatens Kojo
Okie returns for revenge in EastEnders (Credit: BBC)

EastEnders reveals major death

The soap has revealed that Okie will die after a fight breaks out tomorrow (Tuesday, November 11) – as Harry accidentally stabs him to death.

This comes as Okie forces Kojo to call Harry, summoning him to the flat. When Harry arrives, he finds Kojo in danger, and leaps to his friend’s defence.

As Kojo flees, a fight breaks out, and Harry stabs Okie. What does Okie’s death mean for Harry?

Okie menaces Kojo in EastEnders

Okie will die in a fatal stabbing, the soap has revealed (Credit: BBC)

EastEnders raises outcome of ‘cuckooing’ with Kojo’s story

Of the storyline, Executive Producer Ben Wadey said: “At EastEnders, we’re proud to tell stories that reflect the real challenges people face, and Kojo’s cuckooing storyline is one that feels especially important. Cuckooing is a form of exploitation that too often goes unseen and hasn’t featured on EastEnders before.

Through Kojo’s experience we hope to have shined a light on how easily vulnerable people can be manipulated and isolated – something that can happen in any community, but feels particularly resonant in a city like London, where people live side by side and yet can still slip through the cracks.

Working closely with experts and charities, our aim has been to tell this story with care and authenticity, and to raise awareness as to how to identify the signs of exploitation and the importance of reaching out for help.”

EastEnders has worked closely with Causeway and National Autistic Society, as well as experts in the field in bringing this storyline to life, as well as The Ben Kinsella Trust to ensure that Okie’s stabbing senses are portrayed accurately and sensitively.

Harry talks to Okie and Kojo in EastEnders

Kojo’s fallen victim to a terrifying crime (Credit: BBC)

What is cuckooing?

Causeway CEO Helen Ball said: “Causeway are proud to have supported EastEnders on this important and timely storyline. Cuckooing is a cruel and dehumanising form of exploitation where the home of someone vulnerable is taken over by criminals.

“We were grateful to EastEnders for the opportunity to work with their team on the research behind this storyline and we hope that by shining a light on cuckooing, EastEnders can help raise awareness of the issue and help people spot the signs of grooming and exploitation around them.”

Meanwhile, Dr Judith Brown, Head of Evidence and Research at the National Autistic Society added: “It’s a privilege to work with the EastEnders team on such a painful yet significant storyline about Kojo’s ‘cuckooing’ or home takeover. We thank the entire EastEnders team for focusing on a genuine issue that impacts the lives of autistic people.

“The awful truth is that autistic people are more at risk of abuse, victimisation and exploitation than non-autistic people. Because autistic people can find it hard to interpret social cues, emotions and inferred meaning, some may not always recognise manipulative or dangerous behaviours from others.

“We hope this storyline encourages any autistic person or parent of autistic children to learn what abuse and exploitation can look like.”

Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns.