EastEnders viewers fear Sean Slater will take his own life – and sister Stacey will be blamed.
Robert Kazinsky's character looks set to take his own life in a devastating new suicide storyline as the soap explores two different aspects of mental health.
Sean has returned after ten years away from Albert Square to make amends with his loved ones and finally reunited with mum Jean in tonight's episode.
He took his delighted mum for her chemotherapy appointment – but sister Stacey was far less welcoming.
Stacey was furious that the "golden boy" was back and admitted she believed he was back for nasty motives.
During a one-on-one confrontation with her brother, she shouted: "You spent years making her life a misery. Torturing her, kidnapping her, breaking her heart. And now you want to be kept in the loop on the family group chat."
She added: "Sean I love you but you are a shambles. Everywhere you go you cause trouble. You hurt people."
Sean looked devastated as Stacey claimed it would kill Jean when he inevitably disappears again.
She said: "Mum's biggest fear is you won't come back. Mine is that you will."
EastEnders viewers took to Twitter after watching the heartbreaking scenes.
One viewer said: "Saying it now, if Sean kills himself Jean is going to blame Stacy"
"Poor sean hows he spose to make amends when people are going to see the bad in him no wonder theres so many suicides," added another.
A third said: "I don’t think I can watch if Jean or Sean die if I do it’ll be from behind a cushion in floods"
EastEnders boss Kate Oates, who persuaded Sean to return to the soap, has promised the heartbreaking story will prompt discussion.
The BBC's Head of Continuing Drama said: “Sean’s return gives us a unique opportunity to explore two different aspects of mental health: on the one hand, the results of a long-term and untreated depression, and on the other, a person who has had a lifetime of trying to understand the delicate balance of their own mental health – and is coming out winning.
“The story is beautifully and intelligently played by Robert Kazinsky and Gillian Wright, both of whom cared deeply about getting it right, prompting discussion, and making a difference.”
Lorna Fraser, from Samaritans' Media Advice Service, added: “It is important we raise awareness of the issues surrounding suicide and drama can play a powerful role in this. Carefully developed storylines her generate discussion and can prompt viewers, who may be suffering in silence, to speak out and seek help.
“Sean’s story highlights the important of talking about our feelings when we’re struggling to cope… For some, it can be a huge relief to know someone has spotted they may be going through a difficult time and they are there to listen.”
* Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at [email protected]
*EastEnders airs on BBC One on Mondays and Fridays at 8pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.30pm
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