BBC defends EastEnders baby plot

The BBC has issued a full response to complaints over EastEnders’ ongoing baby swap storyline, insisting that the plot contains “absolutely no inference” that Ronnie Branning’s actions are typical of a bereaved mother.

In scenes which aired on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, Ronnie discovered that her baby son James had fallen victim to cot death, before making the terrible decision to swap him with the newborn child of her neighbour Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace).

Earlier this week, it was confirmed that over 3,400 complaints had been made to the BBC over the storyline. Some viewers have suggested that the plot’s portrayal of a grief-stricken mother as unhinged is offensive and insensitive.

In a statement released on the BBC Complaints website, the corporation commented: “We appreciate this is a particularly emotive storyline and as with all such sensitive subject matters, we approached it with great care and attention, seeking guidance and advice from a number of experts in this field in order to ensure as realistic a portrayal as possible.

“EastEnders has a long history of exploring difficult issues, and the storyline regarding Ronnie and Kat follows in this tradition.”

The broadcaster insisted that the aim of the storyline is not to cause “distress or upset” and noted that the episodes in question have been supported by the BBC Action Line, allowing affected viewers to seek further advice and guidance.

The statement added: “It’s important to note there is absolutely no inference that Ronnie’s actions are in any way typical of a bereaved mother of a newborn baby.

“In her grief and desperation at the discovery that her much longed for baby has passed away, and finding herself in the exceptional circumstance of being alone with her neighbour’s newborn son, Ronnie acted on impulse in the heat of the moment, without really knowing what she was doing, or considering the consequences or repercussions.

“On a wider sense, we were careful to select Ronnie, who we felt was the only character capable of acting in this way in a believable manner, following all the difficulties she’s experienced in her life and the emotional toll this has put on her.

“Over the coming weeks, we will see Ronnie and Kat each coming to terms with the loss of their babies, and explore how they re-build their lives in the wake of such tragedy. Viewers will see the situation resolve itself over the coming months.”

Earlier today, it was confirmed that Samantha Womack – who plays Ronnie – is to leave EastEnders amid rumours that she is unhappy over the storyline.

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