
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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Lily discovered she was pregnant at just 12 years old - shocking viewers across the country
Credit: BBC
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Some viewers slammed Stacey for not punishing her daughter for getting pregnant
Credit: BBC
The backlash comes after
The
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 "
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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.
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"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.
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"Also Ricky lives across the road and never seemed to be helping."
Meanwhile, the new EastEnders boss,
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 (
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
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)
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The legendary Max Branning (
While Max's son Oscar has also returned to Walford, with
And Max Bowden is
The actor will get a guest stint in the coming months, with a possible full-time role if all goes well.
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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
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
In April, the
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'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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Lily and Ricky found out they were going to be parents at just 12 years old in a shocking storyline
Credit: BBC
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Fans have slammed the soap for the lack of "adult conversation about what having a baby would mean for her life"
Credit: BBC
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Some have also pointed out how "Ricky lives across the road and never seems to be helping"
Credit: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron
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