EastEnders fans have spoken out against the treatment of Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman) by partner Jean Slater (Gillian Wright), who they reckon has behaved ‘appallingly’ towards him.

Emotions have run high in No. 31 since the unexpected and tragic death of Martin Fowler (James Bye).

Harvey, who has been in a relationship with Jean for two years, has been determined to support the Slater clan through their time of grief but Jean has pushed him away.

The cab driver opened up about his grief over losing Martin and how he feels the family he’s attempted to support has left him out, with Jean lambasting such a stance.

Harvey proved supportive towards Lily (Lillia Turner) and had Martin’s football t-shirt turned into a baby blanket for baby Charli but his actions were berated by Stacey (Lacey Turner) as Arthur was keen for Martin to be buried in the t-shirt in question.

Harvey apologised and, earlier this week, he acquired football tickets to cheer Arthur up but Jean berated the idea and when Harvey offered Jean the opportunity to go instead, she shot it down.

Discussing the storyline, actor Ross Boatman said: ‘Harvey is taking the death of Martin really hard, as is everybody. He’s obviously very sympathetic towards the family and he understands their grief is greater than his but it’s hit him hard too, and he wants to support them and contribute in some way.

‘At every turn he feels pushed aside; he doesn’t really know which way to turn and everything he does feels wrong.’

Harvey, as viewers know, had a brief romantic encounter with Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) last year and he is set to grow close to the cafe owner once again in upcoming scenes. In the wake of Jean’s recent comments, fans are hoping that this is the case.

‘Frankly I do not blame Harvey for the upcoming story’, wrote X formerly Twitter user AJ. ‘Jean treats him appallingly’.

Social media user @lasgneinmyshoe branded Jean ‘abusive’.

‘The sooner Harvey cops off with Kathy, the better.’

Ryan agreed, writing: ‘I usually love Jean but she’s become so bitter lately even before Martin’s death she was treating Harvey like crap.

‘Kathy & Harvey actually have great chemistry and he’s decent unlike her last partner Rocky who was far from that.’

Jess added: ‘Jean doesn’t deserve Harvey, poor bloke can’t do right for doing wrong.’