EASTENDERS fans will know now that Stacie Slater killed Archie - it appears he tried rape her whilst she was struggling manage her bipolar illness. Actress playing Stacie only found out her part in murder 30 Min's before episode was film apparently.

I did not watch eastenders tonight. I watch it occasionally but far from regularly.

I read newspaper summary online about tonight's episode eastenders - and this raised one concern for me.

BBC were praised in many credible online new reports of POSITIVELY and in a REALISTIC way highlighting RELEVANT FACTS on BIPOLAR ILLNESS formerly known as manic depression disorder. BBC were similarly praised for raising awareness of this mental health illness.

In eastenders series Stacie Slater is recognised as sufferer of Bipolar Illness and could be loosely regarded as "the screenplay/soap face" of this illness.

Do you think BBC should have selected for murderer a person strongly associated with severe mental health illness (sufferer of Bipolar Illness).

Personally I think so often individuals with positive mental health or physical or learning disability are stereotypically portrayed in media.
Individuals are stigmatised as
- aggressive, violent, violating law of land and moral codes
- eccentric, lonely, isolated,
- incapable of holding more demanding jobs

I think BBC could have selected different actor/actress as murderer
SO AS TO avoid raising CONTRAVERSIAL question
"Is mental health illness an indicator to risk of person committing aggression or violence to others"

This question needs to be addressed by public in society but not via a Soap program - as it does not have associated with it a mediated debate forum

THAT IS COCOANDGHOSTY3HAVEN SERIOUS OPINION TOPIC AND RANT OVER
humour will be reverted to again shortly granan16

I've seen a few episodes of this and although it's very gory at times, I think it's a pretty good adult drama and got the makings of a hit. In the papers some people were complaining about offensive material and how it's not fit for the general tv audience but if they show it at a more later hour, I don't have a problem. Having said that, with the internet so readily available I think kids will find a way to watch if they want to. A UK tv channel (bravo i think) has already bought the rights and it will be broadcast later in the year. What are your thoughts?

There was a compaign when deirdre went to prison, I believe it was even raised in the House of Commons but I can't see that happening now.