MOTHERS have blasted EastEnders chiefs over a "hurtful" New Year cot death storyline.
Viewers will see Ronnie Branning find newborn son James' body, then SWAP it for Kat Moon's tot Tommy.

Samantha Womack, 38, who plays Ronnie, admits she has found it traumatic working on the pre-publicised scenes on the BBC1 soap.

But furious mums who have lost babies to cot death - known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) - say the plot is "ridiculous".

Ailsa Hichens, 38, who lost her nine-month-old daughter Martha last New Year's Eve, said: "This 'twist' is ludicrous - and hurtful.

"People who watch it could look at mothers who have lost a child and think that they would snatch their baby. It's distressing."

Facebook groups have been set up to protest at the storyline.

On one, Julie Ann Harris says it will "undoubtedly upset parents and families who have suffered this loss".

EastEnders bosses decided to cut some traumatic scenes after a preview screening of the New Year's Eve and New Year's Day episodes.

They have also toned down Kat's baby's cries, which attract Ronnie's attention as she holds her son's body.


An EastEnders insider said: "Bosses are keen to assure viewers that they're not portraying Ronnie's behaviour as typical of bereaved mothers.

"Regular viewers know she's lost two children before this tragedy with James. She acts in a state of grief and shock."