User:AnemoneProjectors/Keegan Baker

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Keegan Baker (also Butcher-Baker) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Zack Morris. He makes his first appearance in episode 5421, first broadcast in the United Kingdom on 9 January 2017. Keegan is a friend of Shakil Kazemi (Shaheen Jafargholi) who also goes to school with Louise Mitchell (Tilly Keeper) and Bex Fowler (Jasmine Armfield). His family are later introduced, including his mother, Karen Taylor (Lorraine Stanley) and half-siblings, Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters), Bernadette Taylor (Clair Norris), Riley Taylor (Tom Jacobs) and Chatham Taylor (Alfie Jacobs). His father, Mitch Baker (Roger Griffiths), is also introduced in March 2018 and his sister, Chantelle Atkins (Jessica Plummer), appears from March 2019 along with her own family.

Keegan has been described by television critics as "bad", "spiteful" and a "terribly bully", while Morris called Keegan "cocky", "aggressive", "cheeky and obnoxious" with few redeeming features, but said that the introduction of his family shows why Keegan is that way. Keegan was later described as "a sensitive, caring soul" who was now "reformed". Keegan's storylines include bullying Bex and Louise, feuds with Denise Fox (Diane Parish) and Derek Harkinson (Ian Lavender), being the victim of a knife attack along with Shakil, and a relationship with and marriage to Tiffany Butcher (Maisie Smith). For his portrayal of Keegan, Morris was nominated in the Best Newcomer category in the 2017 British Soap Awards and the Best Soap Newcomer category at the 2017 TV Choice Awards, and he won the Movie Video and Screen Award for Best Emerging Talent.

Storylines
Keegan, a friend of Shakil Kazemi (Shaheen Jafargholi), causes problems for Louise Mitchell (Tilly Keeper) by breaking her phone, posing as Travis Law-Hughes (Alex James-Phelps) and teasing her over messages she thinks she has sent him, and teasing her over how scared she is in a video he posted online of her in a bus crash. Keegan also uses the crash as an opportunity to steal cigarettes from the local shop. He annoys Denise Fox (Diane Parish) by trampling flowers in the gardens and insulting her, which results in her hitting him. Keegan informs the police and Denise is made to pay Keegan £50, which he tells her has paid for his new trainers, and he continues to disrespect Denise and the gardens. After finding out that Shakil's former girlfriend, Bex Fowler (Jasmine Armfield), had sex with Preston Cooper (Martin Anzor), Keegan says they should get revenge on her, so Keegan imposes Bex's face on a porn video and sends it to Madison Drake (Seraphina Beh) and Alexandra D'Costa (Sydney Craven). This leads to the police becoming involved, and a naked photo of Shakil is found. Shakil and Bex are both interviewed by the police and given warnings, and Bex takes the blame despite being innocent. Shakil blames Keegan for all the problems and fights with him.

Keegan attempts to shoplift but is stopped by Derek Harkinson (Ian Lavender). Keegan films Louise when she is drunk and sick at a party after her drink is spiked. After Travis humiliates Keegan in front of his schoolmates, Keegan tells Louise that they had sex at the party. Louise takes a pregnancy test, which is negative, but then is told that Keegan has chlamydia, which he also passed to another student. Louise is horrified to see that Keegan is moving to Albert Square with his mother, Karen Taylor (Lorraine Stanley) and half-siblings, Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters), Bernadette Taylor (Clair Norris), Riley Taylor (Tom Jacobs) and Chatham Taylor (Alfie Jacobs). After Karen hears that Louise has claimed that Keegan raped her, Keegan admits that he lied about them having sex because he likes Louise and wanted Travis to end their relationship. Keegan is then arrested on suspicion of rape. He is not charged due to lack of evidence but is given a juvenile warning. Keegan apologises to Louise but gives no explanation.

Derek confronts Keegan over shoplifting again, saying his colleague Honey Mitchell (Emma Barton) saw him. Keegan accuses Honey of racism and when Derek tries to calm the situation by touching Keegan on the arm in a friendly manner, Keegan calls him an "old queer" and leaves. Later, Derek refuses to serve Keegan because of how he spoke to him, but Keegan says it was just "banter", and quickly pays and leaves. Alexandra and Madison enlist Keegan help to ruin the school prom, planning to set off the sprinklers. Keegan is unable to turn them on but discovers Travis has set up a room with candles for Louise. This leads to Madison and Alexandra confronting Louise and Travis, and Alexandra pushing Louise onto the lit candles, causing burns. Keegan stops them from leaving the prom and they are arrested. When Keegan turns 16, he takes a job sweeping the market.

In 2018, Keegan is jealous when he sees Louise hugging Hunter Owen (Charlie Winter). Keegan's father, Mitch Baker (Roger Griffiths), arrives in Walford but Keegan tells him to leave, which he does, but Karen sneaks him back in during the night. Keegan accepts Mitch and he settles in at the Taylors', but leaves when he finds an envelope of cash intended for the upstairs neighbours, Ted Murray (Christopher Timothy) and Joyce Murray (Maggie Steed). Keegan is happy when Mitch returns but is angry when Mitch leaves again and Karen admits she told him to leave after an argument, so he insults her.

Keegan takes an unsecured bicycle that belongs to a gang, which leads to him being stabbed in the neck by Bruno (Josh Fraser) and Shakil being stabbed in the back, leading to Shakil's death. Keegan wants revenge but Bruno is arrested. After getting drunk, Keegan and Louise kiss but Keegan promises Louise he will not ruin her relationship with Hunter by mentioning this. Keegan admits to Shakil's mother, Carmel Kazemi (Bonnie Langford), that he is struggling to cope and vows that the rest of the gang will not get away with it. Carmel realises Keegan has a blade and takes it to the police. Keegan later admits that he fears the gang are still after him. Carmel has a series of posters of Shakil put up in a bid to stop knife crime but they are vandalised. Keegan confronts the vandal but he is attacked by another gang. The vandal is cut by Keegan's knife; Keegan runs away and Carmel finds the vandal. Carmel tells Keegan that he has killed the vandal and urges him to hand himself into the police. However, the police tell him there has been no murder, and Carmel admits she wanted to teach Keegan a lesson, which he eventually thanks her for. Seeing he is vulnerable, Jagger Rawley (Aaron Thomas Ward) gives Keegan drugs, but Tiffany Butcher (Maisie Smith) disposes of them and Keegan sees a counsellor. Louise seduces Keegan and they start a relationship. Keegan later asks Tiffany for drugs but when Louise sees them, she destroys them. When Mitch returns again, Karen reveals to Keegan that Mitch has another family.

In 2019, Keegan discovers that he has a half-sister, Bailey Baker (Kara-Leah Fernandes). He eventually bonds with her and Mitch and Mitch tells Keegan that Bailey's mother, Dinah Wilson (Anjela Lauren Smith), is dying and he needs Karen's help; Keegan accuses him of faking trying to be a happy family and overdoses on drugs. Bailey finds him collapsed and he is taken to hospital. He later meets Dinah, for whom Bailey is a carer, though he struggles at first seeing Bailey's situation but he later offers to visit Bailey and Dinah on his own and says he should seek professional help, as he is still affected by Shakil's death. Keegan's sister, Chantelle Atkins (Jessica Plummer), moves to Walford with her family. Keegan continues to support Bailey and Dinah, and Keegan convinces Bailey that Dinah should go into a care home. When Bernadette starts dating a girl, Brooke (Ria Lopez), Keegan and Tiffany go to the same restaurant to support Bernadette but Bernadette realises that Tiffany and Keegan like each other. Keegan tells Bailey when Dinah dies and he and Tiffany later kiss.

Tiffany and Keegan's relationship suffers when Tiffany recognises Fraser Shelton (Shanu Hazzan) and Keegan assumes she is attracted to Fraser, unaware that he is the man who raped her. Tiffany and Keegan start to avoid each other. Keegan spends a day at the office of Chantelle's husband, Gray Atkins (Toby-Alexander Smith), and discovers that the sandwich delivery person, Toby, earned £40,000 from his own catering business. Tiffany decides to leave Walford but when Keegan finds out, he tells her his feelings and they reunite. Keegan tells his family that he does not want to continue his A-levels and he later decides to start his own catering business.

A kiss between Keegan and Tiffany turns passionate and she panics and leaves. They later talk and Keegan admits that she would be his first sexual partner and she says the same. Tiffany then tells him she was raped, which he struggles to deal with, however, he later says he is glad she told him and he will not mention it unless she does. They reunite but decide to wait before having a sexual relationship. Keegan then goes into partnership with Iqra Ahmed (Priya Davdra) to sell sandwiches. Keegan and Tiffany later stay in a hotel and have sex for the first time. A hotel employee assumes they are married, prompting Keegan to propose to Tiffany, who accepts. Their families are against the engagement and Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) pays Dotty Cotton (Milly Zero) to sabotage the sandwich business and it is closed by the Food Standards Agency. When Keegan sees Ian is now selling sandwiches, he punches Ian in the face. Fearing he will be arrested and put in prison, Tiffany says they should marry as soon as possible. They decide to elope to Scotland but Louise reveals this to their families. Meanwhile, Iqra finds out that Ian paid Dotty to sabotage the business and forces Ian to drop the charges against Keegan. Karen vows to stop the wedding but when everyone arrives in Scotland, Keegan convinces them that he and Tiffany are marrying for the right reasons and they become Mr and Mrs Butcher-Baker and name the business Butcher-Baker Sandwich Maker. They move into the flat below Karen's. Keegan is upset after he is stopped for a routine search by police but does not tell Tiffany, thinking she will not understand.

In 2020, Vinny Panesar (Shiv Jalota) gets Keegan a moped for his business but both men are stopped by police for another routine search but this time Keegan is calm as he knows his rights. However, they lose some business because of this delay. Keegan then tells Tiffany about both searches.

Casting and introduction
Morris auditioned for the part of Keegan in 2016 but assumed he had not got the part when he did not hear about it for a while, however, he was then offered a second audition. He started filming in November 2016 after signing a six-month contract. Morris was 18 years old at the time of his casting and was halfway through a drama course when he got the part. Morris's casting in EastEnders was revealed on Twitter by D&B Performing Arts School. After his first appearance on 9 January 2017, Digital Spy said that EastEnders had "sneaked in" a new character, and a show insider said that "we'll be seeing more of Keegan in storylines with Shakil, Louise and Bex, as he continues to cement his reputation as a troublemaker." Morris said of his casting: "Joining a show like EastEnders is so nervewracking, whether you have loads of experience or none. People have grown up with this show – I grew up with this show – and everyone knows about it, so that's a pressure. But now's my time."

Characterisation
Keegan is 15 years old upon joining the series. He was described as a "villain" by Daniel Kilkelly from Digital Spy, who also said Keegan is "rude, aggressive and very annoying most of the time". Keegan was described as "nasty" by Inside Soap, and Allison Jones from the magazine also called him a "bad lad", a "spiteful schoolboy", and a "terribly bully with a shocking lack of respect" whose "outrageous behaviour" would have viewers "yelling at the screen" and said that he "displays consistently poor regard for his elders." Laura-Jayne Tyler of Inside Soap said that she would "cross to the other side of the street if [she] saw troublemaker Keegan coming [her] way". Alison Slade from What's on TV called Keegan a "bad boy" and "the baddest baddie on the block right now". Sally Brockway from Soaplife said, "Trouble is his middle name and he has a knack of getting away with things". David Brown from Radio Times called Keegan a "One-man crimewave". An EastEnders insider described Keegan as a "nasty piece of work" who "thinks he is untouchable" and "has no respect for anyone or anything". Morris described Keegan as "cocky" and "aggressive", adding that he "thinks he's a bit bigger than what he is. He's got a lot to say, but can't really back it up. All in all, he's a bit of a dick, really". Baker also said he enjoys playing a bad boy as "you have more to do" and "everyone loves a baddie". He also said that he would be friends with Keegan because "[he would] back you up if you needed it".

Morris did not base Keegan on anyone in particular but opined that "everyone knows a Keegan to some extent". He hoped Keegan would have "hidden depths", so that "people could get more of an understanding of why Keegan is like that." He added that something in his past has made him how he is. He called Keegan "cheeky and obnoxious" and said that viewers would see few redeeming features. Morris also explained that Keegan "likes to be the leader of the pack", which is "probably his way of kicking out against whatever has gone on before", and that Keegan "has an issue with authority" and does not like people challenging his behaviour. Morris also said he did not think Keegan would get into a romantic relationship because "he's so against everyone" but said that he could "calm down" in the future. He later said that Keegan needed a "big character" to "put him in his place", especially "a strong man to show him what's right and wrong, like Shakil has with his brother Kush [Kazemi]." He said that he thought it was not too late for Keegan to change due to his young age.

In December 2017, Duncan Lindsay from Metro said that Keegan started off as an "odious character" but had "developed a lot since then and despite maintaining his edge, his deep love for his family and the root of his acting out have been explored more". In March 2018, Laura Morgan from Digital Spy said that Keegan had "proven that he's rather a sensitive, caring soul under all that bravado" and was now a "reformed bad boy". Morris opined that Keegan had to be shown as aggressive when he was introduced to "[show] what he's about" and then it could be adjusted later, but if he was introduced as "soft" then there would have nowhere to go as a character. In May 2018, Morris said that Keegan is "not very good at showing emotion" and his emotions build up until he lashes out.

Bullying of Bex Fowler
Morris explained Keegan's motivation to post a video with Bex's head on the body of a porn actress, saying that he is trying to "show off" to Shakil, and he "didn't really understand why everyone had such a problem with it." He said that Keegan "doesn't feel bad and still doesn't realise what he's done and the implications of it. He didn't do it to be nasty – he thought it was funny." Morris had witnessed similar things in his own school and opined that it was "brilliant to highlight" the issue, adding that EastEnders was "showing the younger generation that there are consequences [to explicit images being distributed]", which causes those involved to "get scared", and also showing "the older generation this is possibly what your kids are involved in now." Morris opined that Keegan should "get his comeuppance".

Kilkelly said that Keegan's revenge on Bex is his "nastiest move yet", and though Bex has actually done nothing wrong, it "[never] stopped Keegan from causing mischief and misery". Duncan Lindsey from the Metro said that "Bex Fowler [feels] the full force of [Keegan's] spite when he carries out a devastating revenge on her". Tyler (Inside Soap) said that Keegan had been "central to the show's recent teen bullying story" which had been "difficult to watch" but was a "sad reflection of what can happen in schools today". Brockway (Soaplife) said that Keegan was "right at the heart of [the drama]", which the "Walford teens are getting more than their fair share of".

The bullying storyline was later praised by Lindsay, who said it was "highly relevant and important" to cover this real-life problem, adding that "EastEnders should be commended for taking the time with this story and not making it a sub plot. Showing the bullying commencing in its infancy, showing how it affects kids both at home and school and showing how peer pressure can make friends turn on each other or do horrendous things are all important factors in making it realistic." Lindsay, who previously worked in education, said that the storyline was "spot on" and "EastEnders is nailing the representation of the various young characters you find in school environments" including "complete bullies like Keegan." Lindsay went on to say, "It's easy to dismiss a story as just being 'a teen one' but this is real, human drama affecting the lives of many young and older people alike. And the actors involved are doing a fantastic job. [...] Zack Morris is deliciously contemptible as Keegan, a character we are meant to hate." He also said the storyline "carries an important message, it's relatable and realistic, it involves a strong group of up-and-coming actors and it isn't dominating the show anywhere near what is being hysterically implied".

Relationship with Louise Mitchell


In May 2017, Morris said that there would be "interesting storylines" to come for Keegan, including "things EastEnders has never covered before". In June, it was reported that Keegan would target Louise Mitchell (Tilly Keeper) by spreading "vicious rumours" about her. A source for the series said, "These things that Keegan is saying about Louise are despicable, but sadly it doesn't take long for the gossip to spread, and soon the whole school is talking about her! Poor Louise is humiliated and has no idea who to trust." Keegan's motivation is to "jeopardise her new-found happiness" with Travis Law-Hughes (Alex James-Phelps). Keegan's claim that he had sex with Louise while she was drunk was called a "dark twist" and it "open[s] a can of worms" for Louise and it would mean that Keegan sexually assaulted her, though it was not known to viewers at the time if Keegan was telling the truth. Louise is "aghast" when Keegan's family are introduced in June 2017 and Keegan moves to Albert Square, becoming her neighbour. Sophie Dainty from Digital Spy said Keegan "did his worst" by spreading the rumour and said that Louise had a "harrowing ordeal" by being examined at the police station and by Travis ending their relationship because of Keegan's lie.

In July 2017, Keegan becomes involved in helping bullies Madison Drake (Seraphina Beh) and Alexandra D'Costa (Sydney Craven) to ruin the school prom, which Kate White (Inside Soap) said was because he does not want Louise to reunite with Travis, saying he sees him as a threat because Travis is carefree, has a stable home life, his family do not struggle with money and he has a good reputation, so compared to Travis, Keegan "has no chance of impressing Louise".

In December 2017, Morris revealed that he was receiving messages from EastEnders viewers who hoped that Keegan and Louise would start a romantic relationship, which David Brown from Radio Times thought was "not beyond the realms of possibility". In March 2018, Inside Soap reported that Keegan was "smitten" with Louise after developing a crush on her but is "hurt" when he realises she is interested in Hunter Owen (Charlie Winter). Kilkelly said Keegan's heart is broken, adding "we actually feel sorry for troublesome EastEnders teen Keegan" before speculating if there would be a love triangle between Keegan, Louise and Hunter. Morris said that Keegan "always had a little bit of a soft spot for Louise" and he is jealous when he sees Hunter with Louise. Dainty wrote that Keegan "desperately tries to get Louise's attention" but would be "heading for heartbreak".

Relationships with other characters
Keegan has an altercation with Denise Fox (Diane Parish) in episode 5446, first shown on 21 February 2017, on which an EastEnders insider said that Denise dislikes his disrespectful behaviour, and he "swaggers around the square thinking he can act however he wants but Denise has had enough. She's not intimidated by him and tells him exactly what she thinks of him. She completely loses it, which Keegan doesn't like one bit." This ultimately sees Denise fired from her job. It was then reported in June 2017 that there would be another confrontation between them that would also involved Denise's former partner, Kush Kazemi (Davood Ghadami). An EastEnders source told Kate White from Inside Soap: "[Kush] won't stand by and let anyone upset Denise. But Keegan is an arch-manipulator, and determined to make Kush and Denise pay for fronting up to him." Kush is arrested following the events, on which White said, "Clearly Keegan has realised that Kush is the best way to get at Denise".

After Keegan's first run-in with Derek Harkinson (Ian Lavender), Inside Soap said, "Derek has become the first Walford resident to take on vile Keegan and win." However, the magazine later said that Keegan would "push [Derek] to breaking point" and said there was a "nasty undercurrent of homophobia" in Keegan's abuse of Derek. Keegan calling Derek an "old queer" was described by Kilkelly as a "homophobic outburst", while Lindsay called it a "particularly vicious outburst" that leaves Derek "shaken" and "upset". Morris said he would love to film a scene with June Brown and wondered if her character, Dot Branning, could "sort Keegan out".

Keegan is friends with Shakil (Shaheen Jafargholi) but during the storyline in which Keegan takes revenge on Bex, Duncan Lindsay from the Metro reported that Shakil is "uncomfortable" as he is "dragged along by his so-called mate [Keegan] as he has carried out despicable actions". Rory O'Connor from the Daily Express opined that Shakil is "Too scared to stand up to Keegan". However, it was reported that Shakil is "growing sick of Keegan's attitude", leading to a fight between the pair. Additionally, Keegan makes fun of the size of Shakil's genitals while he is wearing lycra shorts during a charity fundraiser. Jafargholi said in July 2017 that he would not be friends with Keegan in reality and that he was "still figuring out Shakil and Keegan's relationship".

Family
Laura-Jayne Tyler of Inside Soap thought that Keegan's background and upbringing could "be the key to explaining why he's such a bad lad" and that showing this could "improve his reputation with viewers." Morris later revealed that Keegan's past would be brought up in storylines and viewers would "see different sides to his character and find out why he is the way he is." In episode 5511, which was first shown on 15 June 2017, Keegan is revealed to be the son of new character Karen Taylor (Lorraine Stanley), who was introduced in that episode along with her other children, Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters), Bernadette Taylor (Clair Norris), Riley Taylor (Tom Jacobs) and Chatham Taylor (Alfie Jacobs), moving into a house on Albert Square. The Taylor family were announced on 10 May 2017 but Keegan was not known to be part of the family until the episode's broadcast. This was described as a "surprise twist" and a "bombshell". Tyler said that Keegan was a "lone wolf" until being revealed as Karen's son, which was "one of Walford's best kept secrets".

Before the introduction of the family, most of Keegan's scenes had been filmed outside or on the school set. Morris said, "It was so weird at first, having your own set and your own flat, because I haven't really filmed inside much. [...] To have my own home, it's reassuring and a comfort in a way, like 'I'm here for a while!'" He said that Keegan was "this little sod out of nowhere" at first but that having his family around "lets viewers see just why he is the way he is". He added, "Five kids, Karen and the pets all crammed into a small flat – it's going to be interesting!" Morris confirmed that his newly-established family would show "why he's the way he is, and [viewers] will get to see what's going on behind closed doors. You may feel sorry for him or at least understand why he is the way he is." Kilkelly praised the decision to build a family around Keegan, calling it a "smart move" because the introduction of teenage characters with no ties had been confusing. Kilkelly said the addition of the family was "a great opportunity to explore Keegan and what makes him tick".

Tyler said Keegan and Karen "clearly have a turbulent relationship". Sasha Morris from the Daily Star thought that Keegan is "picked on" by Karen. Stanley said that Karen is "tough" on Keegan but does not think the way Keegan is has anything to do to with her, that they "love each other dearly" and Keegan is a "different person" around Karen. Karen is also protective of Keegan, especially when he is accused of raping Louise. On Keegan's relationship with Keanu, Morris said that they are quite close in age with only three years between them, and there is rivalry between them because Keegan is "boisterous", while Keanu "wants to be the man of the house and bring the money in". Morris said that when Keegan and Keanu get into mischief, they connect as they have something in common because Keanu is "stooping down to Keegan's level!" However, he revealed that Keanu wants to be "the better one in the family", which Keegan resents, meaning "there's always a bit of bickering or arguing or as if there's about to be a fight. It's that kind of tension."

Following scenes of the Taylor family saying goodbye to Bernadette's miscarried daughter, which were broadcast on 14 September 2017 (episode 5563), Kilkelly said that Keegan finds Bernadette's loss "particularly difficult to cope with, despite his attempts to seem unconcerned", leading to his breaking down. Lindsay said that Karen's "emotional speech [...] delved deeper into the love held by the family", and, "The additional depth added to characters who used to be exclusively abrasive, such as Keegan, is a well oiled soap trope and it seems to be paying off for this initially aggressive clan". He also said that the scenes "highlighted all of their strengths as characters and actors". Stanley said that the scenes showed "a side of Keegan that you've never seen before".

It was announced on 26 February 2018 that Roger Griffiths had been cast as Keegan's estranged father, Mitch Baker. Morris said he was "excited" about Keegan's father being introduced, because he is the "missing piece in the Taylor family, especially for Keegan". Kilkelly said Mitch's arrival puts the "weight of the world on [Keegan's] shoulders" as Keegan discovers a family secret – that Keanu's father is in prison for trying to kill Karen. Morris said that Keegan believes not telling Keanu this is "better in the long-run" as it would "save a lot of heartbreak". Morris also explained that Mitch's arrival gives Keegan an understanding of why Mitch left the family, on which Morris said, "It provides a confirmation of why it all actually happened, so Keegan can't be as angry with him. It's still an issue that Mitch did leave, because he could have chosen not to do that. But it gives Keegan a bit more understanding of why." Walters said that Keegan warms to Mitch because he "wants a father figure in his life".

Knife attack
It was announced on 22 March 2018 that Keegan and Shakil would be involved in a storyline in which they are attacked by a gang of youths with knives. Sophie Dainty from Digital Spy reported that viewers would see "the wide-reaching ramifications of knife crime for all those involved as the local community attempts to comprehend the gravity of what has happened on their doorstep", adding that the storyline would be "hard-hitting" and "harrowing". Duncan Lindsay from the Metro said that the Taylor and Kazemi families would be turned "upside down" and reported that the programme would put "heavy focus" on the "shocking and distressing" aftermath of the attack. Linsday also said that there "couldn't be a more important time" for the issue to be highlighted after he pointed out the statistics of knife crime in London.

EastEnders worked alongside the Ben Kinsella Trust, which was founded by former EastEnders actress Brooke Kinsella, who played Kelly Taylor from 2001 to 2004, after her brother was stabbed to death (see Murder of Ben Kinsella). Morris also did some of his own research. Kinsella commended EastEnders for "choosing this storyline to portray the realities of knife crime" and said, "it is vitally important that we help people understand its lasting impact". She added that the storyline would "bring home the realities of knife crime to a wider audience and show how it damages the lives of victims, offenders, their families and friends forever". John Yorke, the executive consultant of EastEnders, added that "The brutal reality of knife crime was brought home to everyone at EastEnders with the tragic murder of Ben Kinsella in 2008. [...] it's [now] more important than ever to raise awareness of the nature of this terrible crime – and how horrendous it is for teenagers, their families and communities." He added that EastEnders has always tackled serious public issues and said that "this is one of the most important the show has ever embarked on". He said the episodes would be "powerful, heart-breaking and dramatic" and hoped they would "carry on Brooke's inspiring message, while making it clear that knife crime destroys the lives of everyone it touches."

Morris said he felt "privileged" to be trusted with the storyline, which he hoped would "have a big impact on people". He said he felt a responsibility and hoped the storyline would lead to fewer people carrying knives. Morris later said to Inside Soap that the plot "was a lot to take in and very bittersweet, as the whole point of Keegan to start with was that he was Shakil's mate. I wouldn't be in the show if it wasn't for that." Morris liked that he got the chance to work with other actors on the show, including Danny Dyer (Mick Carter) during the three-day-long shoot.

Self-destruction
Following the knife attack, it was reported that Keegan would seek revenge on the attacker, Bruno (Josh Fraser), with David Brown from Radio Times saying there would be "Tense scenes" and that Keegan is "obviously desperate for justice". Daniel Kilkelly from Digital Spy described this as the "next dark twist in the storyline". Duncan Lindsay from Metro said that Keegan is "seething with rage" over Shakil's murder.

Morris told Radio Times that following Shakil's death, Keegan feels "very distant", "confused", and "very angry and frustrated". However, he said that the events lead to Keegan showing more of his emotions and less bravado.

Jonathan Hughes from Radio Times said that Shakil's death puts Keegan on "a path to self-destruction." Morris said the grieving process for Keegan is "very hard hitting."

Morris said that Keegan also feels "guilty" which makes him act "very paranoid" and Keegan "can't walk down the street in the same way as he did before."

Keegan's paranoia leads to him carrying a knife for protection which allows for Carmel to trick him into thinking he killed someone "to teach him a lesson". As a result of Carmel's actions, Keegan goes to therapy, on which Duncan Lindsay said, "new layers to Keegan have been beautifully exposed by Zack and his explosion of angst in the wake of his fear he had killed someone was not just powerful but a really important performance given the spate of knife crimes in London." Morris said Keegan needs "to find ways of dealing with what happened to Shakil". In the midst of his grief, Keegan attempts to find comfort with Louise and Katie Baillie of the Metro saw Louise as a potential "light at the end of the tunnel for the tortured lad". While Keegan does like Louise, according to Morris, "it goes back to what happened with Shakil and Keegan feeling like he doesn't deserve happiness. Shakil's death is still something that plays on his mind, so for him to be all happy with Louise would feel like nothing's happened. So any sort of relationships or feelings are always overshadowed by that." However "because he can't deal with his emotions correctly, it won't work out."

Keegan's struggles lead to another "dark twist" in which Keegan accepts drugs from local dealer Jagger Rawley (Aaron Thomas Ward) when Jagger pressures him to take them. Keegan looks to "solidify his relationship with Louise" when he invites her to his home. Keegan starts off "happy that she's there" only to be upset by Mitch's sudden return. Morris said "Boxing Day at the Taylors' is a mixture of emotions and there are a lot of ups and downs. Keegan goes from one extreme to the other." For his father, Keegan feels "a mixture between confusion and just frustration" due to Mitch previously abandoning him. As Keegan is targeted by Jagger's boss, Evie Steele (Sophia Capasso), his failed romance with Louise serves as a catalyst to feed his self-destruction. Duncan Lindsay said Keegan makes a "dangerous mistake" when he takes drug money from Louise's father, Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), in exchange for his blessing Louise to date Keanu. Keegan turns to drugs again when discovers Mitch has been hiding his daughter Bailey Baker (Kara-Leah Fernandes). He takes drugs from Tiffany Butcher (Maisie Smith) and "his life hangs in the balance" when he collapses from an overdose. Keegan is "confused" when Karen "keeps her cool" and instead "issues Keegan with some brutal home truths about his behaviour." This prompts Keegan to admit that he needs help.

Relationship with Tiffany Butcher
Keegan becomes friends with Tiffany in episodes broadcast in 2018 after she confides him in about her personal life. Sophie Dainty from Digital Spy said that Keegan is an "unlikely ally" for Tiffany and that his support is a "surprise".

In 2019, the series confirmed a romance plot for the characters as they share a kiss. Duncan Lindsay said their chemistry "has been obvious for some time." Tiffany and Keegan bond when she comforts him as he struggles to help Bailey cope with her mother's suicide and Keegan is "grateful" for Tiffany's support. Executive producer Jon Sen said the duo's "burgeoning relationship is lovely. It's a wonderful dynamic, superbly performed by Maisie Smith and Zack Morris. There's a real chemistry between them; loads of warmth and heart and we're really investing in that." Smith offered reassurance that the couple's feelings are "100% genuine" and said of the relationship: "They have been through so much individually and for them to fall in love shows how much they each have individually grown as characters. It's a beautiful relationship because they're both so vulnerable – they have a great dynamic I think... Because they have been through so much, they have been forced to grow up much quicker than others. I don't think their relationship is childlike at all – they have a lot of love for each other. They're a bit of a power couple!" Morris later said, "I think they're good together. They've been through some stuff, and they're similar personalities... So they're great for each other."

The couple's first major obstacle emerges as Keegan's sister, Bernadette, struggles to come to terms with her sexuality and her attraction to Tiffany. During a television interview on This Morning, Morris confirmed a romantic triangle between the siblings and Tiffany. The triangle's origins lie in Tiffany kissing both Keegan and Bernadette on the same night during a game, only a year before. However, Tiffany breaks it off with Keegan after Bernadette confesses her feelings to her. Digital Spy's Justin Harp noted the "new relationship is over before it even started". Tiffany is "drawn back to Keegan" when Bernadette matches with "Sophia" (actually Tiffany using a fake profile) on a dating app but they face another hurdle as Keegan notices Tiffany is distracted by a boy from a gang and "he gets the wrong end of the stick". Keegan is "oblivious" to the situation and "lets his jealousy get the better of him". Keegan (and Bernadette) turn on Tiffany when she admits that she is "Sophia". Keegan rejects Tiffany again when she attempts to make amends before she leaves for Milton Keynes. Dainty said, "It's clear that he's actually very torn over his feelings as he wrestles with what to do." Keegan "pours his heart out" to Tiffany after Bernadette insists he "swallow his pride and stop Tiffany from leaving." As they get closer, Tiffany is "visibly uncomfortable" at the mention of being intimate with Keegan. Her behaviour "leaves Keegan confused about Tiffany's commitment to their relationship". Tiffany confesses that she was raped, and Keegan is "full of anger" and initially walks out on her. However, Keegan assures Tiffany it is not her fault and his anger is toward her attacker.

On 24 September 2019, news of the couple's impending wedding made news headlines when Morris and Smith were spotted filming scenes on location. Duncan Lindsay reported that it was a "secret wedding". Sophie Dainty of Digital Spy and Claire Crick of What's on TV called it the "surprise wedding that nobody saw coming". A source from the show said to Inside Soap, "After a slow start, things are moving fast for the pair." Just after they spend their first night together, Keegan professes his love for Tiffany and they become engaged. In regards to their engagement, Keegan and Tiffany do not get much support and most of their family members try to talk them out of it. Smith admitted that even though she enjoyed playing the story, saying she was "shocked" by how soon it happened, adding, "I definitely didn't expect to be doing a wedding story so young." Meanwhile, as Keegan sets out to get his sandwich business off the ground, he clashes with Tiffany's childhood rival Dotty Cotton (Milly Zero) when she tries to sabotage him. Upon discovering Dotty was working on Ian Beale's (Adam Woodyatt) orders, Keegan's "bad temper" leads to him punching Ian. Fearing he'll be charged with assault, Keegan and Tiffany decide to elope immediately. Keegan and Tiffany are married on 8 November, surrounded by their family and friends whom they've convinced to support them. Much like Tiffany's father Ricky Butcher (Sid Owen) and his first wife Sam Mitchell (Daniella Westbrook) in 1991, the pair travel to Gretna Green, Scotland to marry.

Keegan's sandwich business is shortlisted for an award in episodes shown in 2021, while at the same time, Tiffany is becoming insecure about her looks as she attempts to build a brand on social media and starts considering botox and injectable fillers. Morris stated in June 2021 that Keegan is aware "to an extent" how insecure Tiffany feels but said that Keegan would find it "confusing" as he is "besotted" with Tiffany and does not see her insecurities, and that he is concentrating more on making money for the sake of their marriage and creating a better life for them. Morris also said that the bond between Keegan and Tiffany is stronger than ever at this point and she is the only person Keegan will want to be with. He said the couple have "warm hearts" and opined that their relationship is rare for their age.

Critical reception
Kilkelly said that Keegan had a "pretty memorable first scene". Lindsay said in May 2017, "As newcomers go, Keegan Baker has certainly made an impression on EastEnders – in fact, the only bigger impression was the one left by Denise Fox's ring when she smacked him one! The fact that viewers cheered at this moment says a lot about Zack Morris's ability to play a loathsome character". In June 2017, Kilkelly included Morris on Digital Spy's annual list of rising stars in British soap operas, saying, "Zack Morris has a screen presence and has caught everyone's attention with his scenes this year... for better or worse." In July 2017, Kilkelly's colleague, Sophie Dainty, said she was "starting to warm to troublesome teen Keegan", adding that "he could still do with being taken down a peg or two", hoping that Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) would do it.

Kilkelly praised Morris for one of his "best performances ever" in the aftermath of the knife crime plot. His "on-screen agony this week has been genuinely uncomfortable and distressing to watch – as it should be." While Kilkelly criticised the episodes for not showcasing Keegan and Shakil enough, he said it was a "testament to Shaheen and Zack's strong performances that many fans were frustrated each time the show cut to other scenes." Digital Spy listed Morris at number 1 on their list of the "rising stars to watch out for in 2019." Kilkelly said "Zack may have joined the EastEnders cast last year, but 2018 has shown us what this talented young star is really capable of." Meanwhile, Duncan Lindsay said Morris is "surely a star of the future. […] Given Zack's age and experience, the fact that he can already steal the show in one of the UK's top drama is all the more reason to keep a very close eye on him." In 2019, Sophie Dainty credited the knife crime plot and "Keegan's softer side" with endearing the Taylors to viewers. "It's hard to imagine now, but Keegan was actually a far cry from the sensitive soul we've come to know and love." Dainty said it was "important" that "Keegan didn't actually undergo an arbitrary soap-style personality transformation" like dozens of the characters before him. "Instead, the change in his personality derived from the grief Keegan suffered after losing his best friend – and the guilt he feels over the tragedy."

Viewer response
In February 2017, Morris said he had seen mixed reactions to the character, saying, "A lot of people don't like Keegan and are proper hating on him, but that's what was expected. I planned for that and everyone else at EastEnders planned for that. That's what we always assumed would happen with a character like Keegan. For me as an actor, that's a positive because the viewers are buying that I'm evil, so I'm fine with that! I've also had people saying that it's believable and that the acting is good, so I'm pleased with all of the comments, really. It'd be weird if I was getting comments saying how hilarious Keegan is, because that's not what we're going for."

Of the reaction to the stabbing plot, Morris said "The response has been crazy with people saying how relevant and how well it's been done..." In addition to getting messages from fans on social media sharing their personal experiences, Zack Morris was recognised during a meeting with a youth group for kids aged 10 to 16. "One boy recognised me and said his whole school had been shown the stabbing episode and Shakil's funeral, and they'd had a discussion. I had no idea that going to be the outcome of it all."

Awards and nominations
In May 2017, Morris was nominated in the Best Newcomer category in the 2017 British Soap Awards for his role as Keegan. Of his nomination, Morris said, "I literally I didn't have any words to describe it. It was so weird. I haven't been in the show that long and I didn't expect it at all. Morris lost to Coronation Street actor Rob Mallard, who plays Daniel Osbourne. Also in May 2017, Morris was nominated in the Best Soap Newcomer category at the 2017 TV Choice Awards, being the only EastEnders cast member nominated, alongside three from each of Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks. Morris said of his nomination, "it's all bit mental. It's all happening very fast."

In October 2017, Morris won the Best Emerging Talent award at the Movie Video and Screen Awards, part of the Black International Film Festival, which celebrate the "achievements of actors of colour in the UK". In 2018, Morris was nominated for Best Soap Actor (Male) at the 2018 Digital Spy Reader Awards. He came in eighth place with 5.9% of the total votes.