Aaron Monroe
{{Short description|Fictional character from EastEnders}}
{{Infobox soap character
| series = EastEnders
| name = Aaron Monroe
| portrayer = Charlie Wernham
| image1 = Aaron Monroe.jpg
| imagesize1 = 200
| introducer = Jon Sen
| years = 2021–2022
| first = Episode 6363
{{Start date|2021|10|21|df=y}}
| last = Episode 6475
{{end date|2022|4|26|df=y}}
| classification = Former; regular
| occupation = Businessman
| father = Harvey Monroe
| sisters = Dana Monroe
}}
Aaron Monroe is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Charlie Wernham. Wernham auditioned for the role over Zoom due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on television and was cast as Aaron, the son of estalished character Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman) and older brother of Dana Monroe (Barbara Smith). He first appeared in episode 6363, broadcast on 21 October 2021. Wernham was open about his joy to be cast in EastEnders, as it had been a childhood dream of his. Across his stint, Aaron's storylines have included his relationship with Tiffany Butcher (Maisie Smith), involvement with a far-right terrorist organisation, and his eventual arrest and struggles in prison.
Initially billed as a suave, opinionated, and cocky businessman, Aaron was soon revealed to be involved in an Islamophobic hate group. The storyline required advisors on-set to ensure accuracy. Despite acknowledging the seriousness of the plot, Wernham was happy to play a villain. Aaron saw an unnanounced exit, which was confirmed after his last appearance in episode 6475, broadcast on 26 April 2022. Aaron's character was generally disliked by viewers, but Wernham often received supportive messages online for his portrayal.
Development
=Casting and introduction=
File:Charlie Wernham (14145723893) (cropped).jpg
In August 2021, it was announced that actor Charlie Wernham had been cast as Aaron, the son of Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman) and older brother of Dana Monroe (Barbara Smith).{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a37256370/eastenders-cast-charlie-wernham-aaron-harvey-hollyoaks/ |title=EastEnders casts former Hollyoaks star Charlie Wernham as Harvey's son Aaron |first=Lisa |last=Wehrstedt |date=9 August 2021 |access-date=26 July 2024 |website=Digital Spy |language=English |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621045749/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a37256370/eastenders-cast-charlie-wernham-aaron-harvey-hollyoaks/ |archive-date=21 June 2023 }} Wernham auditioned for the part over Zoom and received the news that he won the role a few days later. Wernham commented that it was "always a childhood dream" of his to be on EastEnders as it is "constantly on TV in [his] household as [his] family are massive fans", adding that the show was "close to [his] heart". He later added that gaining a role on the show was on his "acting bucket list" since his childhood, as he watched it growing up and was often told by peers that he would fit the show.{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a37937121/eastenders-spoilers-charlie-wernham-aaron-monroe-role/ |title=EastEnders newcomer Charlie Wernham reveals all on Aaron Monroe role |first=Daniel |last=Kilkelly |date=12 October 2021 |access-date=7 August 2024 |website=Digital Spy |language=English |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626111901/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a37937121/eastenders-spoilers-charlie-wernham-aaron-monroe-role/ |archive-date=26 June 2024 }} The actor continued by calling the role "perfect" for him, and was particularly impressed as "Aaron has got a lot of layers and a lot of stuff to do". He said that his new role was one that, in his words: "[he] would have bitten your hand off to get". Executive producer Jon Sen expressed excitement to welcome Wernham to the series, stating: "We're very happy to be welcoming Charlie to Walford. His character Aaron joins the Monroes, our newest family set to move into the Square with connections to the Beales". Wernham began filming in August 2021.
Aaron's arrival was initially set to occur in the Autumn of 2021. It was later announced that Aaron would arrive on the 21 October, to Dana's chagrin.{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a37892235/eastenders-hollyoaks-charlie-wernham-first-scenes-airdate/ |title=EastEnders confirms airdate for former Hollyoaks star Charlie Wernham's first scenes |first=Sam |last=Warner |date=7 October 2021 |access-date=7 August 2024 |website=Digital Spy |language=English |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226121217/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a37892235/eastenders-hollyoaks-charlie-wernham-first-scenes-airdate/ |archive-date=26 February 2022 }} While Aaron would initially plan for a short visit, it was teased that he would eventually decide "to hang around a while longer". Wernham commented that Aaron's arrival would "kick up a bit of a storm". The character's arrival teased a romance between Aaron and Tiffany Butcher (Maisie Smith){{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a37924213/eastenders-spoilers-tiffany-butcher-baker-aaron-monroe-romance/ |title=EastEnders hints at new romance story for Tiffany Butcher-Baker |first=Sophie |last=Dainty |date=12 October 2021 |access-date=7 August 2024 |website=Digital Spy |language=English |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626111901/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a37924213/eastenders-spoilers-tiffany-butcher-baker-aaron-monroe-romance/ |archive-date=26 June 2024 }} after the two go out on a date.{{cite web|url=https://www.entertainmentdailyuk.com/soaps/eastenders-spoilers-aaron-arrives-in-walford/ |title=EastEnders SPOILERS: Aaron arrives in Walford
|first=Charlotte |last=Rodrigues |date=14 October 2021 |access-date=7 August 2024 |website=Entertainment Daily |language=English |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240807190410/https://www.entertainmentdailyuk.com/soaps/eastenders-spoilers-aaron-arrives-in-walford/ |archive-date=7 August 2024 }} It was later revealed that Aaron would play a role in a storyline about casual racism his father was at the centre of, with Aaron set to "cause some big waves" in the storyline.{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a38014139/eastenders-aaron-monroe-shock-action-racism-story/ |title=EastEnders newcomer Aaron Monroe to take shock action in racism story |first=Joe |last=Anderton |date=20 October 2021 |access-date=7 August 2024 |website=Digital Spy |language=English |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129000027/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a38014139/eastenders-aaron-monroe-shock-action-racism-story/ |archive-date=29 November 2021 }} He made his first appearance in the episode broadcast on 21 October 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.entertainmentdailyuk.com/soaps/who-is-aaron-in-eastenders-where-have-you-seen-charlie-wernham-before/ |title=Meet Aaron Monroe: Charlie Wernham's new role in EastEnders |first=Charlotte |last=Rodrigues |date=21 October 2021 |access-date=7 August 2024 |website=Entertainment Daily |language=English |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240807190130/https://www.entertainmentdailyuk.com/soaps/who-is-aaron-in-eastenders-where-have-you-seen-charlie-wernham-before/ |archive-date=7 August 2024 }}
=Characterisation and family=
Aaron was billed as a "confident", "fiercely loyal" man who "likes to get his own way". Sen teased that "there's more to Aaron than his bravado lets on". Wernham called his character a wealthy, and "very confident" young man who likes to "splash" his money about. The actor teased viewers could expect "quite a lot of fun scenes" with Aaron at first, where he would try to be the "life and soul" and start "winding people up". Wernham noted the character enjoyed "having a laugh with people" and being "flirty". Despite Aaron's positive traits, Wernham warned that his character was very opinionated and "likes to have the last word". As Harvey was involved in a storyline about casual racism, Wernham teased that Aaron's opinionated nature would become apparent, as his character would "definitely give his opinion" on the matter and would "try to take control of the situation", despite it apparently coming from "a good place". Wernham commented that Aaron has a divisive personality amongst the residents of Walford, explaining "a few people will like him and there's a few people who he'll rub up the wrong way".
The third and final member of the Monroe family to be introduced, Aaron's backstory states that he was raised by his father in Walford before leaving to pursue his career in finance. He was said to be "close" with his father Harvey, despite being "nothing" like him,{{cite web|url=https://www.entertainmentdailyuk.com/soaps/aaron-monroe-in-eastenders-where-now-criminal-past/ |title=What happened to Aaron Monroe in EastEnders and where is Harvey's son now? The full story on his racist past |first=Kerry |last=Barrett |date=19 June 2024 |access-date=10 August 2024 |website=Entertainment Daily |language=English |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809000940/https://www.entertainmentdailyuk.com/soaps/aaron-monroe-in-eastenders-where-now-criminal-past/ |archive-date=9 August 2024 }} but his relationship with Dana was "strained" as she "often feels shut out by him". Sen observed that the character was the "opposite" of his sister. Wernham described Aaron as being "protective" and "quite dominating" over Dana, tending to see himself as "the man of the house" as he wanted to protect his family, keep them safe, and for others to respect them.
=Terrorism and arrest=
In November 2021, the show teased that Harvey would "make a disturbing discovery" about Aaron.{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a38186562/eastenders-spoilers-aaron-monroe-story-confirmed-harvey/ |title=EastEnders confirms sinister story for Aaron Monroe as Harvey makes a discovery |first=Sophie |last=Dainty |date=9 November 2021 |access-date=8 August 2024 |website=Digital Spy |language=English |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530081644/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a38186562/eastenders-spoilers-aaron-monroe-story-confirmed-harvey/ |archive-date=30 May 2024 }} The announcement followed a scene where Aaron is Islamophobic towards Bobby Beale (Clay Milner Russell) and would involve Harvey finding one of Aaron's shirts covered in blood.{{cite web|url=https://www.whattowatch.com/spoilers/eastenders-spoilers-aaron-monroe-is-hiding-a-sinister-secret |title='EastEnders' spoilers: Aaron Monroe is hiding a sinister secret! |first=Rachel |last=Lucas |date=9 November 2021 |access-date=8 August 2024 |website=What's On TV |language=English |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530080142/https://www.whattowatch.com/spoilers/eastenders-spoilers-aaron-monroe-is-hiding-a-sinister-secret |archive-date=30 May 2024 }} It was later revealed that Aaron was involved in a terrorist attack against a Muslim taxi driver and is affiliated with an Islamophobic gang.{{cite web|url=https://www.whattowatch.com/news/aaron-monroe-responsible-for-shock-attack-on-eastenders |title=Aaron Monroe responsible for SHOCK ATTACK on 'EastEnders'... |first=Simon |last=Timblick |date=16 November 2021 |access-date=8 August 2024 |website=What's On TV |language=English |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211116204107/https://www.whattowatch.com/news/aaron-monroe-responsible-for-shock-attack-on-eastenders |archive-date=16 November 2021 }}{{cite web|url=https://metro.co.uk/2021/11/16/eastenders-spoilers-aaron-paints-swastika-on-argee-bhagee-15611244/ |title=EastEnders spoilers: Aaron paints swastika on Argee Bhagee after Islam terror remarks |first=Calli |last=Kitson |date=16 November 2021 |access-date=8 August 2024 |website=Metro |language=English |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214032340/https://metro.co.uk/2021/11/16/eastenders-spoilers-aaron-paints-swastika-on-argee-bhagee-15611244/ |archive-date=14 December 2021 }} In early December 2021, it was announced that the soap would tackle how Aaron's actions impacted the Square over the upcoming Christmas.{{cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2021/1202/1264541-eastenders-tackling-far-right-storyline-with-aaron/ |title=EastEnders tackling far-right storyline with Aaron Monroe this winter |first= |last= |date=2 December 2021 |access-date=9 August 2024 |website=RTÉ |language=English |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120052730/https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2021/1202/1264541-eastenders-tackling-far-right-storyline-with-aaron/ |archive-date=20 January 2022 }} Set to involve a bomb plot, the BBC teased: "EastEnders has a huge winter ahead with plenty of drama in store for the viewers".{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a38409455/eastenders-aaron-monroe-sinister-plan-christmas/ |title=EastEnders' Aaron Monroe to reveal his sinister plan ahead of Christmas |first=Amy |last=West |date=2 December 2021 |access-date=9 August 2024 |website=Digital Spy |language=English |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211203021221/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a38409455/eastenders-aaron-monroe-sinister-plan-christmas/ |archive-date=3 December 2021 }} A new character, Neil Hughes (Thomas Coombes) was set to be introduced for the story and viewers were set to see how Aaron was "entrenched" in the group. The show consulted with experts, including Exit UK's founder Nigel Bromage, during production to depict the plot as accurately as possible. Sen stated that EastEnders intends to tackle "challenging yet prescient" stories, with Aaron's being tackled as the show aimed to portray "the faulty logic" of far-right ideologies and extremists.
Wernham considered the story to be a "really tough", but necessary one to portray, with the actor admitting he felt "privileged" to play an antagonist.{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a38525104/eastenders-charlie-wernham-tough-far-right-storyline/ |title=EastEnders star Charlie Wernham opens up over filming "really tough" far-right storyline |first=Dan |last=Seddon |date=15 December 2021 |access-date=9 August 2024 |website=Digital Spy |language=English |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215163914/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a38525104/eastenders-charlie-wernham-tough-far-right-storyline/ |archive-date=15 December 2021 }} In response to Aaron's "shocking" New Year's Eve plot, Harvey was teased to be "horrified" by the revelation.{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a38605739/eastenders-spoilers-harvey-aaron-discovery/ |title=EastEnders' Harvey Monroe left horrified over Aaron's shocking New Year plan |first=Justin |last=Harp |date=26 December 2021 |access-date=9 August 2024 |website=Digital Spy |language=English |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211230232812/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a38605739/eastenders-spoilers-harvey-aaron-discovery/ |archive-date=30 December 2021 }} After choosing not to go through with the plot, the show teased a "police shock" for Aaron and his gang.{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a38658237/eastenders-spoilers-aaron-monroe-police-shock/ |title=EastEnders villain Aaron Monroe to face police shock next week |first=Justin |last=Harp |date=4 January 2022 |access-date=10 August 2024 |website=Digital Spy |language=English |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809000950/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a38658237/eastenders-spoilers-aaron-monroe-police-shock/ |archive-date=9 August 2024 }} When Aaron is threatened into remaining with the group, it was announced that he would be cornered into leading a terror attack in Manchester.{{cite web|url=https://www.whattowatch.com/spoilers/eastenders-spoilers-aaron-monroe-realises-his-family-is-in-danger |title='EastEnders' spoilers: Aaron Monroe realises his family is in danger |first=Rachel |last=Lucas |date=4 January 2022 |access-date=10 August 2024 |website=What's On TV |language=English |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809000935/https://www.whattowatch.com/spoilers/eastenders-spoilers-aaron-monroe-realises-his-family-is-in-danger |archive-date=9 August 2024 }} Having had enough of the situation, Harvey reported Aaron to the police.{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a38759678/eastenders-spoilers-harvey-reports-aaron-police/ |title=EastEnders reveals who reported Aaron Monroe to police in massive twist |first=Justin |last=Harp |date=13 January 2022 |access-date=10 August 2024 |website=Digital Spy |language=English |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240810200412/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a38759678/eastenders-spoilers-harvey-reports-aaron-police/ |archive-date=10 August 2024 }}
=Imprisonment and departure=
In January 2022, the show teased Harvey having to make a "big decision" after visiting Aaron in prison.{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a38866149/eastenders-spoilers-harvey-monroe-decision-aaron-prison/ |title=EastEnders' Harvey Monroe to make a big decision after visiting Aaron in prison |first=Sophie |last=Dainty |date=25 January 2022 |access-date=10 August 2024 |website=Digital Spy |language=English |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809000937/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a38866149/eastenders-spoilers-harvey-monroe-decision-aaron-prison/ |archive-date=9 August 2024 }} Harvey was later announced to be torn between giving a witness statement which would incriminate Aaron.{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a39165650/eastenders-harvey-monroe-decision-aaron-witness-statement/ |title=EastEnders' Harvey Monroe to make life-changing decision over Aaron |first=Megan |last=Davies |date=22 February 2022 |access-date=10 August 2024 |website=Digital Spy |language=English |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809000950/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a39165650/eastenders-harvey-monroe-decision-aaron-witness-statement/ |archive-date=9 August 2024 }} Throughout March and April, Aaron is subjected to several prison attacks.{{cite web|url=https://www.whattowatch.com/spoilers/eastenders-spoilers-harvey-monroe-is-terrified-for-aaron |title=EastEnders spoilers: Harvey Monroe is terrified for Aaron! |first=Rachel |last=Lucas |date=15 March 2022 |access-date=10 August 2024 |website=What's On TV |language=English |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809000932/https://www.whattowatch.com/spoilers/eastenders-spoilers-harvey-monroe-is-terrified-for-aaron |archive-date=9 August 2024 }} Aaron is left in critical condition after being stabbed in prison.{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a39828276/eastenders-spoilers-aaron-fate-prison-attack/ |title=EastEnders reveals Aaron Monroe fate after a prison attack |first=Justin |last=Harp |date=26 April 2022 |access-date=10 August 2024 |website=Digital Spy |language=English |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809000938/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a39828276/eastenders-spoilers-aaron-fate-prison-attack/ |archive-date=9 August 2024 }} In June 2022, the show confirmed Aaron's exit after being sentenced and transferred to a prison in Newcastle.{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a40231629/eastenders-aaron-monroe-exit/ |title=EastEnders confirms Aaron Monroe's exit |first=Emily |last=Hutchinson |date=8 June 2022 |access-date=10 August 2024 |website=Digital Spy |language=English |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718191827/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a40231629/eastenders-aaron-monroe-exit/ |archive-date=18 July 2024 }} The soap confirmed that Aaron was always intended to only star in the far-right story.{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-spoilers-aaron-monroe-exit-newsupdate/ |title=EastEnders spoilers: Aaron Monroe exit and final scenes confirmed |first=Lewis |last=Knight |date=9 June 2022 |access-date=10 August 2024 |website=Radio Times |language=English |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240702121226/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-spoilers-aaron-monroe-exit-newsupdate/ |archive-date=2 July 2024 }}
Storylines
After arriving, Aaron begins dating Tiffany Butcher (Maisie Smith), despite missing several dates. It transpires that Aaron is a member of a far-right extremist organisation. After his father Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman) finds a shirt of Aaron's in the bin covered in blood, it is revealed that Aaron and his gang targeted a person of colour, which left the man with a punctured lung, broken ribs and possible blindness, to Harvey's fury. Aaron begs Harvey to provide an alibi for him when police investigate the attack, to which Harvey agrees on the condition Aaron ends his affiliation with the group. Despite getting the alibi, Aaron remains a prominent member in the organisation and he spray paints a swastika on the Argee Bhajee restaurant after it is suggested to be converted into a mosque.
Aaron arranges an attack on Tiffany's ex, Keegan Baker (Zack Morris), and while he walks home, some of Aaron's gang members jump him and almost beat him to death, leaving him hospitalised. After Christmas, Aaron and one of his closest affiliates, Neil Hughes (Thomas Coombes), plan an arson terrorist attack on The Argee Bhajee after Aaron's sister, Dana (Barbara Smith), expresses interest in converting to Islam due to her relationship with Bobby Beale (Clay Milner Russell). Neil later obtains a bomb and plants it there. Neil gives Aaron a burner phone that will set off the bomb when activated; however, Aaron struggles to keep Dana and Harvey out of the bomb's proximity, only to be further pressured when Neil warns him that there will be consequences if the attack isn't successful. Harvey spots them and, able to tell something is wrong, confronts a drunken Aaron. Aaron admits their plan and abandons it when Harvey threatens to inform Neil's grandmother.
Aaron briefly cuts off the gang, but when Neil talks to him, he assumes Aaron went to the police and the two fight. Harvey tries to keep Aaron from the gang, but it becomes clear where Aaron's true loyalties lie. After it seems Aaron is set to perform another terror attack, Harvey reports his son to the police and Aaron is arrested. Harvey visits Aaron in prison to disown him, to which Aaron pretends not to care. Later, Harvey prepares to sign his witness statement, but Aaron calls and begs him not to, as he is being beaten in prison. Harvey decides to sign the statement regardless to achieve justice for Aaron's victims. Neil later attacks Harvey and tells him to deliver a phone to Aaron, which Harvey refuses to do. Harvey visits Aaron and informs him of what happened before Aaron apologises for everything he had put his father through over the years. Later, Aaron is stabbed in prison by Neil's associates and is hospitalised. When he recovers, Aaron is sentenced and transferred to a prison in Newcastle.
Reception
Ali Ayaan of MyLondon reported audiences being "shocked" by an early scene showing Aaron washing blood from his hands, and noted that many viewers were speculating where the blood came from.{{cite web|url=https://www.mylondon.news/news/uk-world-news/bbc-eastenders-viewers-predict-who-21927917 |title=BBC EastEnders viewers predict who Aaron Monroe attacked after he washes blood from hands |first=Ayaan |last=Ali |date=26 October 2021 |access-date=7 August 2024 |website=MyLondon |language=English |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240807190431/https://www.mylondon.news/news/uk-world-news/bbc-eastenders-viewers-predict-who-21927917 |archive-date=7 August 2024 }} Justin Harp of Digital Spy commented that the scene was "shocking".{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a38068609/eastenders-spoilers-aaron-monroe-blood-mystery/ |title=EastEnders reveals newcomer Aaron Monroe's dark side in disturbing scene |first=Justin |last=Harp |date=26 October 2021 |access-date=7 August 2024 |website=Digital Spy |language=English |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128231658/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a38068609/eastenders-spoilers-aaron-monroe-blood-mystery/ |archive-date=28 November 2021 }} After a week on the soap, Stephen Patterson of the Metro said the character has "made quite the impression", and that fans were unconvinced that Aaron was "the nice guy" he was pretending to be, with many viewers correctly predicting that he was part of an extremist group.{{cite web|url=https://metro.co.uk/2021/10/28/eastenders-spoilers-is-aaron-plotting-a-terrorist-attack-on-albert-square-15500014/ |title=EastEnders spoilers: Is Aaron plotting a terrorist attack on Albert Square? |first=Stephen |last=Patterson |date=28 October 2021 |access-date=7 August 2024 |website=Metro |language=English |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127184559/https://metro.co.uk/2021/10/28/eastenders-spoilers-is-aaron-plotting-a-terrorist-attack-on-albert-square-15500014/ |archive-date=27 November 2021 }} Sophie Dainty of Digital Spy deemed Aaron "dangerous".{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a38316924/eastenders-spoilers-aaron-monroe-story-twist-tiffany-mistake/ |title=EastEnders confirms shock twist in Aaron Monroe story as Tiffany makes a big mistake |first=Sophie |last=Dainty |date=23 November 2021 |access-date=8 August 2024 |website=Digital Spy |language=English |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620235546/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a38316924/eastenders-spoilers-aaron-monroe-story-twist-tiffany-mistake/ |archive-date=20 June 2023 }} Harp observed that since Aaron's arrival, the character "had a disturbing impact on those around him".{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a38413891/eastenders-spoilers-aaron-hate-storyline-details-revealed/ |title=EastEnders reveals more on Aaron Monroe's far-right story as new character is introduced |first=Justin |last=Harp |date=2 December 2021 |access-date=9 August 2024 |website=Digital Spy |language=English |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231150531/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a38413891/eastenders-spoilers-aaron-hate-storyline-details-revealed/ |archive-date=31 December 2022 }} On an Instagram post where Wernham opened up about the challenges of filming a controversial story, Dan Seddon of Digital Spy noted the comments being generally supportive of Wernham and praising his acting ability. Following scenes where Aaron discusses the bomb plot with his associates, Harp described them as "disturbing".{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a38641932/eastenders-spoilers-aaron-confesses-bomb-plot-harvey/ |title=EastEnders' Aaron Monroe confesses New Year's Eve bomb plot, but can it be stopped? |first=Justin |last=Harp |date=30 December 2021 |access-date=9 August 2024 |website=Digital Spy |language=English |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531114300/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a38641932/eastenders-spoilers-aaron-confesses-bomb-plot-harvey/ |archive-date=31 May 2024 }} He further described scenes where he confesses the plot to Harvey as "gripping". James Rodger of Birmingham Mail commented fans having "grown frustrated" by Aaron's violent antics and noted calls for the character to be axed from the soap.{{cite web|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/showbiz-tv/bbc-eastenders-fans-demand-character-22679722 |title=BBC EastEnders fans demand character is axed immediately |first=James |last=Rodger |date=7 January 2022 |access-date=10 August 2024 |website=Birmingham Live |language=English |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108123919/https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/showbiz-tv/bbc-eastenders-fans-demand-character-22679722 |archive-date=8 January 2022 }} Harp deemed the reveal that Harvey reported Aaron to the authorities as a "massive twist". Following the Wernham's departure, Grace Morris of What's On TV reported fans "rejoice" Aaron's exit.{{cite web|url=https://www.whattowatch.com/news/eastenders-fans-rejoice-as-villain-aarons-exit-is-confirmed-after-being-sentenced-for-his-crimes |title=EastEnders fans rejoice as villain Aaron's exit is confirmed after being sentenced for his crimes |first=Grace |last=Morris |date=9 June 2022 |access-date=10 August 2024 |website=What's On TV |language=English |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809000934/https://www.whattowatch.com/news/eastenders-fans-rejoice-as-villain-aarons-exit-is-confirmed-after-being-sentenced-for-his-crimes |archive-date=9 August 2024 }}
See also
References
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{{EastEnders characters|past}}
Category:EastEnders characters
Category:Television characters introduced in 2021
Category:English male characters in soap operas