EastEnders fans slam ‘worst storyline in soap history' as they claim it ‘didn't need' to happen
Raging EastEnders viewers went online in droves, claiming the controversial plot 'didn't need to happen' and blasting writers for being 'so unrealistic."
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The backlash comes after Lily Slater's pregnancy storyline sent shockwaves through Albert Square - and completely turned the Slater and Branning families' lives upside down.
The hard-hitting plot saw Lily, played by Lillia Turner, fall pregnant at just 12, with the father revealed as Ricky Jr - sparking fierce debate among viewers and dividing opinion across the country.
Many fans praised the show for tackling a sensitive subject, while others branded it 'unrealistic' and 'unnecessary' for a family soap.
And some fans blasted the BBC soap for " normalising teenage pregnancy".
Taking to an online forum on Reddit, one fan wrote: "This has bugged me for a while now - the fact that Lily, at age 12, still a kid, gave birth to a healthy baby with absolutely no problems whatsoever, for either her or her baby.
"Lilys brain was still developing yet the Slaters saw it a good idea for her to become a mother at such a young age.
"I find that absolutely disgusting, especially because Stacey was struggling to make ends meet during that time."
Another fan added: "The issue with Lily's pregnancy is that at no point did anyone try to engage Lily in an adult conversation about what having a baby would mean for her life.
"Lily just stomped out of every conversation she didn't want to have, and Stacey and Martin let her."
A third penned: "Lily had a baby at 13 with a boy her own age, nobody really bothered to explain the risks in a meaningful way and everyone's just sort of moved on?"
A fourth commented: "I agree, it was so unrealistic and it really p***** me off. No one told her the effects it would have on her emotionally or on her body, or how it would change the course of her life.
EastEnders legend returning to Albert Square 11 years after quitting Walford – weeks after Zoe Slater & Max Branning
"She adapted so quickly and it's irresponsible to portray a 12 year old getting pregnant this way.
"Also Ricky lives across the road and never seemed to be helping."
Meanwhile, the new EastEnders boss, Ben Wadey, is lining up several returns.
Nicholas Bailey has reprised his role as Dr. Anthony Trueman - son of soap stalwart Patrick (Rudolph Walker) - after 11 years away.
Soap's most harrowing teen storylines
We take a look at other harrowing teen soap storylines from soaps Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks.
Belle Dingle's schizophrenia in Emmerdale - Belle's (Eden Taylor-Draper) traumatic journey in Emmerdale took a dark turn when, after accidentally killing her best friend Gemma at just 16, her mental health began to spiral.
The storyline, which saw Belle struggling with her grief and guilt, showcased her battle with hearing Gemma's voice inside her head, leading to a dramatic decline in her well-being.
Hannah Ashworth's anorexia in Hollyoaks - Viewers were horrified as they watched Hannah (Emma Rigby), a seemingly innocent teen, spiral into dangerous behavior, starving herself in an attempt to achieve what she thought was the ideal body.
As Hannah's condition worsened, the storyline became more intense, culminating in her being hospitalised for two months as she fought for her life.
Bethany Platt's grooming ordeal in Coronation Street - Vulnerable schoolgirl, played by Lucy Fallon, was at the centre of one of Corrie's darkest storylines to date when she fell under the spell of her older boyfriend and sexual predator.
The controversial scenes saw Nathan groom and manipulate the 16-year-old before coercing her into sleeping with his friends, with one of them raping her.
Whitney Dean's abuse from Tony in EastEnders - Since the age of 12, she had been in a twisted relationship with her stepmum Bianca's boyfriend, Tony King. The predator had groomed young Whit (Shona McGarty), making her believe she was in love and planning to run away with him.
On her 16th birthday, the traumatised teen finally revealed the years of abuse to Bianca. Tony was swiftly sent to prison sentenced for 13 years.
It comes as Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) recently made her long-awaited return to Albert Square.
The legendary Max Branning (Jake Wood) is also set for a return in upcoming scenes.
While Max's son Oscar has also returned to Walford, with the role recast to Pierre Mouiller.
And Max Bowden is making a shock return as Ben Mitchell - two years after he was axed.
The actor will get a guest stint in the coming months, with a possible full-time role if all goes well.
Then-showrunner Chris Clenshaw gave Max the boot at the end of 2023 during a showdown over his party lifestyle.
But he has been given another chance by the BBC soap's new boss.
A source said: 'Ben had a list of characters he wanted to bring back and Ben Mitchell was one. It's taken a little while to sort out but Max will be back filming on Albert Square later this year.'
In April, the new boss went to see Max, 30, in the musical Midnight Cowboy. The source added: 'Ben wanted to meet Max and see where his head was at.
'Things hadn't ended particularly well and Ben wanted to assure him this could be his fresh start.
"Max agreed to return for a short stint after Ben pitched his comeback storyline.
"But who knows what will happen? It really does depend on Max.'
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