John Partridge has said he is 'grateful' to EastEnders fans for their support of his gay character Christian Clarke's attempts to adopt a child. The BBC1 soap recently provoked 125 complaints when Christian and his boyfriend Syed Masood, played by Marc Elliott, were shown in bed together. But John told Inside Soap magazine how supportive viewers had been of the storyline that has seen him and Syed trying to adopt a child to fulfil their wish to become parents. The 39-year-old actor said: "Christian and Syed have received so much support from viewers for which Marc and I are very grateful." He added: "Sometimes they get frustrated at the pace this storyline is unfolding, but when you're dealing with issues like sexuality and religion it can't all be tied up in six months. It just wouldn't be realistic. "But it's not even begun yet - it's all about to kick off!" John has been able to research the storyline by talking to friends. He revealed: "I know loads of gay couples who've done it. "One couple have just adopted a lovely little boy. They both have good jobs and a nice flat so why wouldn't they? I think it's more than possible."
