Eastenders actor opens up about the tears shed over powerful storyline

Actor Danny-Boy Hatchard has talked of breaking into tears when meeting fans.

The 25-year-old who plays the character of Lee Carter on the soap has shared his story when it came to those heartbreaking scenes he has had to play of recent times. Viewers of the soap will know that Lee hasn't had an easy time in Walford by any means, with his most recent storylines involving a suicide attempt and his recent departure from Walford Square. Speaking to Irish Mirror, actor Danny-Boy says the public's reaction to his portrayal of depression has left him overwhelmed on numerous occasions.

"People have ­approached me in the street and, very ­tentatively, whispered, ‘I hope you understand how ­powerful that storyline was – it’s helped me and family’. "It makes me emotional and I’ve actually welled up and wept tears on three occasions. Because it’s an amazing feeling knowing that you’ve saved someone’s life."

The actor said he's had numerous meetings with people who have shown gratitude for his acting on the soap.

"I’ve had a young woman, a young man and on older man. Those three times they got emotional and I kept myself together for them, but when they walked away I lost it. "I felt proud that I was able to do something that helped others. "Every day people ­contact me telling me that my storyline has helped them. I’ve always said if I can use my platform to help people then that’s the best award an actor can receive.