EastEnders viewers praised the soap after it dedicated an entire episode to Danny Dyer’s Mick Carter opening up to Samaritans about the abuse he suffered in his past and his mental health.
Mick has recently been facing a traumatic ordeal ever since meeting his childhood abuser Katy Lewis (played by Simone Lahbib), someone he hadn’t seen in over 20 years.
However, in scenes that aired this evening, the character finally discussed the emotions that had been consuming him as he contemplated taking his own life.
Audiences also got a deeper look into Mick’s childhood through flashbacks, with student James Roberts cast as the younger version of the character.
Speaking to Samaritans call handler Joe, Mick said of Katy: ‘She abused me. I’m a victim. She’s been covering it up ever since.’
Taking to social media, viewers applauded EastEnders for the delicacy of the episode, with many hailing the ‘powerful’ scenes.
Danny Dyer is playing an absolute blinder with this mental health storyline. For someone who has to deal with their mental health going sideways on the daily, im finding these scenes very powerful. Really feel Mick’s pain 💔 Tugging at every emotion I have 😠#EastEnders
— Nicola. (@NJR_x) December 31, 2020
This episode is so powerful. I’m so glad that Mick is finally realising what Katy has done to him since he was a child. #eastenders
— S. ♡ (@angelicthirls) December 31, 2020
honestly so impressed with Mick talking to Samaritans on the phone. This could save so many lives with Enders showing the wonders they do on the phones #EastEnders
— dylan (@ohlookitsdylan) December 31, 2020
As heartbreaking as this is, I am mind blown at the delicacy they’ve handled this storyline. Highlighting male mental health, the importance of The Samaritan’s and how strong you are to open up and talk. God bless everyone involved and Danny Dyer #EastEnders
— Emma (@EmmaLou93x) December 31, 2020
What a powerful episode. The use of Samaritan helpline service was impeccable. Good acting from Mic and extra credit to that operator on the phone #Eastenders
— A-shay-knee🇯🇲🇯🇲#BLM (@achaynnie) December 31, 2020
‘Absolutely brilliant portrayal of The Samaritans tonight on #Eastenders,’ wrote one. ‘Well done @bbceastenders I have no doubt that tonight’s episode will dispel so many peoples myths about phoning someone for help.’
Echoing a similar sentiment, another penned: ‘What a powerful episode. The use of Samaritan helpline service was impeccable. Good acting from Mick and extra credit to that operator on the phone #Eastenders.’
Meanwhile, a third added: ‘Honestly so impressed with Mick talking to Samaritans on the phone. This could save so many lives with Enders showing the wonders they do on the phones.’
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