Overview
- Producers disclosed Thursday that the BBC soap consulted Samaritans to shape Ravi Gulati’s mental‑health arc as it builds to a crisis later in April.
- The plot shows Ravi considering suicide after months of self‑harm, guilt over exploiting vulnerable people, pressure as a police informant, and a violent outburst against his son after being spiked.
- Upcoming episodes will depict Ravi’s partner, step‑mother, and children intervening so he accepts support rather than portraying his death.
- Executive producer Ben Wadey thanked Samaritans for guidance, and Samaritans’ Lorna Fraser said careful portrayals can tackle stigma and prompt viewers who are struggling to seek help.
- Coverage notes EastEnders won praise last year for Phil Mitchell’s mental‑health storyline, which charities said helped audiences understand men’s suicidal feelings.