Eastenders’ Jade Has Cystic Fibrosis!
Spoiler Alert! If you haven’t seen today’s Eastenders yet, look away now!
Right at the end of the latest episode of Eastenders, it was revealed that Shabnam Masood and Dean Wicks’ daughter, Jade, has Cystic Fibrosis- the same illness that her uncle Jim had.
In storyline terms, longtime fans of Eastenders will know what a big deal this is. Shirley abandoned Jim because she couldn’t cope with his disability.
In terms of disability representation, I am always pleased to see another disabled character in any soap I watch and these days, I watch Eastenders.
But, knowing a little about the history of the storyline, I have to wonder whether Jade will now become a regular character. Personally, I hope she does. I hope Shirley and Dean accept her and that they, and the Masood family, are shown trying to cope with her condition. I strongly dislike people who abandon their children for being disabled and would hate a national institution like Eastenders to send out the message that it is still acceptable to do so.
I have heard reports of a very upsetting storyline involving the Masood family. I wonder if this will be it. I wonder if Jade will die as a result of the condition.
Whatever happens, I’ll be following the storyline with great interest.
Updated: Digital Spy has more.
Same Difference 