EastEnders fans were sobbing last night, when Jean Slater’s family finally tracked her down – only for her to reject them and run away.
Viewers watched in tears as the emotionally fragile mum of Stacey Fowler ignored her daughter’s pleas and, instead, hid inside her caravan with her hands over her ears.
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The scenes are part of a devastating storyline in which beloved matriarch Jean is in denial about her health.
Her family know that Jean, who suffers from bipolar disorder, has cancer but is refusing to confront the illness and seek treatment… Treatment that could save her life.
Jean fled the Slater home weeks ago to live on a caravan park, so she could avoid facing the reality that she may have cancer.
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On Tuesday (12 March), Jean missed another scheduled hospital appointment, prompting her worried family to track her down.
After locating her to a nearby campsite, Kat, Stacey, Martin and Lily raced off to find her.
But, far from a heartfelt reunion, the scenes left fans devastated as a panicked Jean ran from them, locked herself in her caravan and continued to bury her head in the sand.
As well as the worrying cancer diagnosis, viewers know that Jean is running out of the medication she needs for her mental health to remain stable…
Is she heading for a breakdown?
Fans were full of praise for actress Gillian Wright, and equally worried for her character Jean.
One said: “That last scene broke my heart, wish she would stop running and just be with her family who love her and just want her to get better.”
That last scene broke my heart, wish she would stop running and just be with her family who love and just want her to get better 💔 #eastenders
— tasha louise ♡ (@eds_afterglow) March 12, 2019
This jean storyline is gonna be so emotional Gillian is gonna do it justice she was brillant in last night's episode #EastEnders
— eastenders fan (@EastendersFan21) March 13, 2019
I just want to give Jean a hug ☹️ #EastEnders
— Victoria R (@Vixxy86) March 12, 2019
https://twitter.com/Dan2008_UK/status/1105567442179424258
Love you Jean! ❤️❤️❤️ she needs awards for this performance! ⭐️🏆 #EastEnders
— Emma Faulkner (@emmyjovovich) March 12, 2019
Another said: “I just want to give Jean a hug.”
While a third said: “This Jean storyline is gonna be so emotional. Gillian is gonna do it justice, she was brilliant in last night’s episode #EastEnders.”
“#Jean, come on, listen to #Stacey. Fantastic acting and the storyline is spot on. DOUBLE #EastEnders on Thursday 7:30 & 9:00,” said another.
Some fans are seriously worried that Jean might die if she doesn’t seek help soon, while others fear she’s heading for a bipolar relapse.
Do you understand what Jean is going through? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!