EastEnders has announced details of a new male post-natal depression storyline involving Stuart (Ricky Champ).
Stuart has just become a father to baby Roland with wife Rainie (Tanya Franks) after Bernie (Clair Norris) agreed to be their surrogate.
The couple are already contending with Stuart's breast cancer diagnosis but in the coming weeks he will also start to doubt whether he can form a bond with his son.
Annie Belasco, head of charity PANDAS, which has worked with EastEnders on the plot, said: "PANDAS Foundation were delighted to hear that EastEnders intended to produce a storyline highlighting postnatal depression in men.
"We enjoyed advising the team around the postnatal depression aspect of Stuart's journey which we feel will be relatable to many fathers struggling to bond with their baby.
"Postnatal depression in fathers is still a much undiscovered and stigmatised area, which is why it is so imperative that awareness is shared in no doubt that men who may be feeling unwell with symptoms of postnatal depression can seek the support that they need at an early interventional stage.
"A full recovery of any low level perinatal mental illness, with the right support is possible."
EastEnders continues Mondays to Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One.
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