Eastenders praised by Samaritans for Peggy Mitchell's final scene
The much-loved character's death was aired last night
Mental health charity Samaritans have praised Eastenders for the sensitive way they handled the death of Peggy Mitchell in her final episode.
Warning: Contains spoilers
Last night Barbara Windsor’s character, who’s been on the soap for more than two decades, decided to take her own life after discovering her cancer had returned.
In the moving scene, Peggy believes she sees the ghost of her famous friend and rival, Pat Butcher, who said she would always be with her, to which Peggy replies ‘Thanks’.
The former Queen Vic landlord added "I will go as I have lived. Straight back, head high, like a queen.
“I don't want that to be me, I don't want to be that little old lady in the bed, with people saying, 'Remember her? Peggy Mitchell? She's all skin and bones.'”
Peggy's been through many memorable storylines, including marrying Frank Butcher in 1999, who was eventually killed off in 2008.
(Credit: PA Images)
Samaritans, who helped work on the script, say that handling the topic in the most sensitive way could help viewers who are experiencing the same feelings.
Lorna Fraser, the Samaritans’ Media Adviser, said “Research shows that coverage of suicide in drama and news, if handled responsibly, can prompt people who are struggling with life to reach out for help, which is a vital step in suicide prevention.
"However, covering this sensitive, complex topic also carries risk of contagion, therefore careful handling is vital.
“Programmes, including soaps, can help raise awareness of some of the issues surrounding suicide, such as the devastation caused for loved ones, an issue EastEnders have starkly depicted through Peggy’s story.
"Often when a person reaches a point of becoming suicidal, they lose sight of this, sometimes even believing their loved ones would be better off without them. Which is clearly not the case, the impact of suicide leaves behind long-lasting repercussions.”
Watch Peggy’s final scenes below:
Warning: Contains strong language.
Since the show, fans and colleagues have been paying tribute to the character.
If you've been affected by, or to find our more information about suicide prevention, visit the Samaritans website.
Barbara joined Eastenders in 1994 and played the role full time until 2010. After that she made occasional returns to the soap.
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