EastEnders star Jake Wood's art exhibition closes early after AI backlash
An exhibition of artwork by EastEnders actor Jake Wood has been forced to close a month early after the gallery cited "horrid and abusive behaviour" from online backlash over the use of AI-generated imagery. The Icons exhibition, which opened at Indelible Fine Art in Brighton earlier this month, featured portraits of Dame Barbara Windsor, Winston Churchill and David Attenborough. However, the show was met with immediate controversy after some accused Wood of using AI in his work.
In a statement on Instagram, the gallery announced the decision to end the show, saying: "What was always intended to be a fun exhibition to raise awareness and funds for Dementia UK has over the last seven days, unfortunately escalated into what can only be described as horrid and abusive behaviour directed at ourselves as a gallery and the wider charitable cause involved." The gallery added that the main message of the exhibition had been "entirely lost" and that they had no choice but to close the show.
Wood, known for playing Max Branning on EastEnders since 2006, released a statement on social media last week clarifying his use of AI. He acknowledged that two images in the exhibition—Attenborough and Trump—incorporated AI-generated source imagery, but stressed that these images were not personally generated by him and already existed prior to being used as source material. He said: "These particular pieces were created in 2024 and were not originally intended for inclusion in this exhibition. Since then I have not used AI within my artworks and do not intend to moving forward." Despite the clarification, the gallery confirmed the exhibition has ended.
Context: AI controversies in the arts
The backlash against Wood's exhibition is part of a broader cultural debate about artificial intelligence in creative fields. Over the past year, AI image generators such as Midjourney and DALL-E have triggered widespread criticism from artists and illustrators who argue that these tools can devalue human creativity and raise questions about copyright and originality. The reaction against Wood's show—despite its charitable aim to raise funds for Dementia UK—illustrates how quickly public sentiment can turn against high-profile figures perceived as using AI in their work.
This is not the first time a celebrity has faced scrutiny over AI. In 2024, actor and director Tyler Perry announced he would halt an $800 million expansion of his studio after watching OpenAI's Sora, citing the rapid pace of AI video creation. Similarly, authors including George R.R. Martin and John Grisham have filed lawsuits against AI companies over alleged copyright infringement. The controversy surrounding Wood's exhibition reflects a growing sensitivity among audiences and creators who worry that AI may replace human craftsmanship in the arts.
Broader implications for EastEnders and its cast
While the art world grapples with the AI debate, EastEnders itself is generating significant drama on both sides of the camera. The soap is currently airing a major storyline involving George Knight (Colin Salmon) and his father Eddie, a convicted murderer who has been released from prison to die of cancer. As reported by Digital Spy and The Mirror, George's daughter Gina (Francesca Henry) is considering calling the police to expose Eddie's presence in their home, risking implicating her father. The BBC has released a trailer for a special week of episodes titled 'The night that changes everything', which will focus on the Knight-Mitchell family alongside the Beales, Brannings and Fox-Truemans following a wedding in June. Fan speculation suggests George may take murderous action against Eddie, echoing the show's long history of explosive family feuds.
Meanwhile, former EastEnders star Charlie Brooks, who played Janine Butcher, is set to star in the UK tour of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time at Storyhouse Chester in March 2027. Brooks will play Judy alongside Joe McFadden, with the production directed by Ned Bennett. The announcement comes as the soap continues to see its alumni move into high-profile theatre roles, underscoring the show's role as a launchpad for stage careers.
The changing landscape of celebrity and AI
The early closure of Wood's exhibition raises questions about how public figures navigate the AI debate. For independent galleries and charities, the risk of online mobs can derail fundraising efforts, as seen in the statement from Indelible Fine Art. The gallery's plea for "continued support as a small independent gallery" suggests that the financial and reputational damage from online harassment can be severe. For Wood, the incident may affect public perception of his artistic career, though he has made clear his intention to avoid AI in future work.
As EastEnders continues to dominate headlines with both on-screen drama and off-screen news involving its cast, the intersection of technology and celebrity remains a flashpoint. The reaction to Wood's art serves as a cautionary tale for other celebrities considering AI-assisted works. With the broader industry still debating the ethics of generative AI, the public—and the internet—remain unforgiving arbiters of what constitutes authentic art.
For fans looking for more soap drama, see our coverage of MAFS Australia 2026: Stella and Filip Move In Together as Series Ends. If you're interested in the wider technology landscape, read about PlayStation Plus Price Hike Hits New Subscribers on May 20 as Sony Cites Market Conditions.
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