'EastEnders' have teamed up with Samaritans to work on Sean Slater's mental health storyline.

Rob Kazinsky

Rob Kazinsky

Rob Kazinsky reprised his role as the character last Friday (26.04.19) ahead of his alter-ego's long-awaited return to Albert Square last night (29.04.19), and viewers will learn this this week that Sean has been struggling with a secret he's been hiding for years.

He will open up to his mum Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) and his sister Stacey Fowler (Lacey Turner), and the soap have joined forces with the charity - who aim to provide emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide in the UK and Ireland - to portray the plot as sensitively as possible.

Kate Oates, the BBC's head of continuing drama, said: "The return of Sean Slater 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, who leads on Samaritans' Media Advice Service, is hoping the storyline raises awareness of "the issues surrounding suicide".

She said: "Given the sensitivities with covering the topic of suicide, we were pleased that 'EastEnders' worked with us on Sean's storyline.

"It's important that we raise awareness of the issues surrounding suicide and drama can play a powerful role in this.

"Carefully developed storylines can help to generate discussion and can prompt viewers, who may be suffering in silence, to speak out and seek help.

"Sean's story particularly highlights the importance of talking about our feelings, when we're struggling to cope.

"If you're worried about a friend you think may be struggling it's alright to ask them if they're ok, for some it can be a huge relief to know that someone's spotted they may be going through a difficult time and they're there to listen."

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