A health charity has today praised BBC soap Eastenders for tackling a major new disability storyline which features a baby with Down's syndrome.
Viewers of the hit show last night watched as characters Honey and Billy Mitchell were told their baby has the condition.
Today, the Down's Syndrome Association (DSA) praised TV chiefs and said the new story was a "fantastic" opportunity to raise awareness among thousands of viewers who know little about Down's syndrome or who may have outdated or prejudiced views.
Charity staff said it was also "an exciting step" towards addressing the under-representation of people with learning disabilities on mainstream television.
The DSA has been working with BBC researchers since January 2006, advising them on medical, technical and professional issues and putting them in touch with families who have shared their "real life" experiences of Down's syndrome.
Carol Boys, Chief Executive of the DSA, said: "We are delighted that such a high profile series as Eastenders should choose to tackle head-on the issue of disability.
"Much of our work focuses on relaying the message that having a baby with Down's syndrome is not the end of the world, and can indeed be a positive experience for a family.
"We look forward to seeing the story unravel, and believe it will be a source of hope and inspiration for other parents in the same position as Billy and Honey."
The DSA is a national charity that exists to provide information and support for people with Down's syndrome, their families, carers and those with a professional interest. It also seeks to improve knowledge and understanding and champion the rights of people with Down's syndrome
For more information about the work of the charity or the new Eastenders' storyline visit www.downs-syndrome.org.uk
Source: Press Association, 08/09/2006
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