EastEnders will introduce an emotional new storyline for Whitney (Shona McGarty) and Zack (James Farrar) in the coming weeks as they prepare for the arrival of their baby.
The on-off couple are currently expecting their first child and in recent weeks Zack was relieved to learn that his recent HIV diagnosis had not been passed on.
In a story airing next month, however, tests reveal that the baby has Edwards' Syndrome, a life-limiting condition which sees most children die within a week of birth.
Jane Fisher, director at Antenatal Results and Choices, said: "At ARC we hear daily from expectant parents dealing with the shock of being told their baby is not developing as expected, as is sadly the case for those who receive an Edwards' Syndrome diagnosis.
"This is a distressing and often isolating time for expectant parents as they try and navigate their next steps in a state of emotional turmoil and it's rarely spoken about.
"Well done EastEnders for tackling this difficult subject and we are pleased they involved us to help them treat the storyline with such sensitivity and compassion."
Exec producer Chris Clenshaw added: "It was imperative for us to work alongside Antenatal Results and Choices and SOFT UK to accurately present, and sensitively portray, such an emotional storyline that many parents may relate to.
"Shona and James' performances have thoughtfully portrayed the realities of the diagnosis and the decision making process with compassion and understanding. We hope that this story resonates with the audience, and that we represent it as sensitively, and as accurately as possible."
EastEnders continues Mondays to Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. body check tags ::
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