EastEnders actor Danny-Boy Hatchard has opened up about his character Lee Carter’s current storyline and the “responsibility” he feels in being a part of something so important.
![Danny-Boy Hatchard as Lee Carter / Credit: BBC](/image-library/port/1000/d/danny-boy-hatchard-lee-carter-highres-eastenders.jpg)
Danny-Boy Hatchard as Lee Carter / Credit: BBC
Lee’s troubles began to culminate in last night’s (December 29) dramatic episode, and Lee looked set to take his own life as he left a short suicide note in his car which read, “I’m sorry”.
Though many viewers have been supportive of Hatchard and the character, the actor has opened up to PA about those who are less-than-impressed and think Lee needs to “man up”.
He explained: “[I’ve] read messages and it’s a real shame, these people who have those thoughts towards Lee as a worthless human being.
“I feel like EastEnders should be tackling it in a way where we educate these people who are not as aware as they could possibly be, and that can only ever have a positive effect.”
Saying he was “honoured” to be a part of the storyline, he added: “I think that kind of drive to abolish that stigma (around male mental health) and to encourage people who are suffering to talk and to know that it is okay, the way that they are feeling, [is] a responsibility I’m happy to take.”
EastEnders continues tonight (December 30) at 8pm on BBC One.
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