’EastEnders’ stars Danny-Boy Hatchard and Shona McGarty have warned of a “hard-hitting” plot ahead for Lee Carter this Christmas.
Fans of the BBC soap have witnessed Lee’s debt problems spiraling out of control over past few weeks, and the storyline will come to a head over the festive period, as his battle with depression worsens.
Teasing the drama ahead for the newly-married couple, Danny-Boy told the Radio Times: “His depression is going to escalate and it’s a hard-hitting thing for people to watch.”
Shona continued: “Over Christmas, it will come to a head. I feel very sorry for Lee. He’s trapped by this belief that men shouldn’t show their emotions too much, so Whitney is oblivious.
“She doesn’t know what’s going on in his mind. Whitney has never had her own place before. She wants to make the perfect home, so she’s focused on that and is often oblivious to the secrets Lee is keeping from her.
“But Lee is burdened by the fact that he has a mum and dad who have a perfect relationship. How can he live up to that?”
It was revealed in Monday (5 December) night’s episode that Lee was behind the terrifying robbery at The Vic, which saw three masked men raid his family’s pub.
However, the fact he set the whole thing up to solve his money woes could come spilling out in upcoming scenes.
Danny-Boy admitted the plot has really resonated with those suffering from depression, adding: “I’ve had people writing to me saying that the storyline has been unbearable because it’s like watching themselves. But that means we’re doing our jobs properly.”
‘EastEnders’ continues tonight at 7.30pm on BBC One.
Read the full interview with Danny-Boy and Shona in the Christmas issue of Radio Times, on sale now.
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- Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393
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- Get Connected is a free advice service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email: help@getconnected.org.uk
