For many, Lee Carter’s spiralling depression on EastEnders has been one of the most true to life storylines the show has featured in many years.

Sadly, according to The Radio Times, things are only set to get worse. Actor Danny-Boy Hatchard who plays Lee spoke to the publication and admitted that Lee will crumble under the pressure of his mounting debts and depression. “His depression is going to escalate, and it’s a hard-hitting thing for people to watch,” said Hatchard. Hatchard is scheduled to leave the soap after the climax of the story and fans are wondering how the character will depart. Viewers have responded well to the hard-hitting storyline. “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,” admitted Hatchard. He says he has enjoyed the storyline and thinks it may help viewers. “Men, generally speaking, don’t like to express themselves because they feel it’s a sign of weakness. And it’s not. We want parents to tell their sons that they’re allowed to cry,” said Hatchard. “EastEnders should have a message at the heart of it. It needs to affect people. The normality of it is important. If we keep heightening things too much, then it loses focus. But we’re making Lee’s story as real as possible.” Scenes to be shown on Friday 23 December see Lee head to the top of the Vic, which is where dad Mick will eventually find him.