In forthcoming EastEnders scenes, Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) will have to make a terrible choice in response to heartbreaking news regarding her unborn child.
Whitney and Zack Hudson (James Farrar), who endured a torturous wait for their test findings, will learn that their child has Edward’s syndrome.
When a baby’s cells contain three versions of chromosome 18 instead of two, it develops in a way that is called Edward’s syndrome.
Only 13 out of 100 babies born with the condition live past their first birthday, making it improbable that they will survive past birth.
After receiving the news, Whitney is forced to make a heartbreaking choice regarding her future.
In order to correctly represent Edwards’ Syndrome and increase awareness of it while carefully portraying the difficult choices that prospective parents must make after a diagnosis, EastEnders has partnered with Antenatal Results and Choices and SOFT UK.
To correctly present and carefully depict such an emotional storyline that many parents may relate to, we had to collaborate with Antenatal Results and Choices and SOFT UK. Chris Clenshaw, executive director, said.
The performances by Shona McGarty and James Farrar thoughtfully and sympathetically conveyed the realities of the prognosis and the decision-making process.
“We hope that this tale connects with the audience and that we have portrayed it as sensitively and truthfully as we possibly can.”
Zack will also be seen struggling to accept the news, but thanks to Sharon Watts’ (Letitia Dean) encouragement, he is able to help Whitney get through this terrible moment.