Soaps, by their very nature, aim to give us an inside look into what we might imagine goes on behind the doors of those around us. While of course this is exaggerated no end a lot of the time, every so often a storyline comes along that really hits home with viewers and soaps can shine a light on an issue in a way that other forms of media can't.

Mental health is an area that EastEnders has never shied away from, and most recently fans will have seen the slow and painful downfall of Lee Carter (Danny-Boy Hatchard), as over the course of the past year or so, he has spiraled into a depression that is sadly so rampant with men his age.

The story came to a head last night in what was one of the soap's most powerful episodes yet, as Lee had to be talked down from a suicide attempt on the roof of a building.

Viewers took to Twitter to praise the soap, who worked closely with the Samaritans when writing this story;


— Duncan Lindsay (@DuncanLindsay) December 30, 2016

If you or anyone you know is struggling with depression or just need to talk, don't forget the Samaritans are available 24/7 to talk. Phone (01) 872 7700 or see samaritans.org.