No, Marc Elliott, who played Syed in Eastenders from 2009 until 2012 is not gay, in fact it has been rumoured that he is dating Eastenders co-star Preeya Kalidas, who played Amira.
Marc was keen not to get type cast as a 'gay Muslim' so after 3 years of being in Eastenders he decided to leave. Even so he has had to cope with abuse from the public who often blur soap fantasy with reality.
Since leaving Eastenders Marc has been in several West End shows and is currently playing the role of Mr McQueen in 'Urinetown' at the Apollo, London.
John Partridge, who played Syed's on screen lover Christian, is of course openly gay and has been in a civil partnership with actor Jon Tsouras since September 2011.
