EASTENDERS stars are being offered counselling after breaking down in tears while filming Ronnie Mitchell's harrowing cot death storyline.
The plot sees tragic Ronnie run to the Queen Vic with the body of her longed-for baby and swap it for Kat Moon's child.
Filming had to be halted as both cast and crew were overcome with emotion at Elstree Studios, in Herts.
A source said: "Most of the crew have never shot anything quite so sensitive.
"Filming stopped for over an hour as people found it hard to continue without breaking down. It will certainly be very strong viewing."
TV Biz told last week how the New Year's Day plot will be the latest heartbreak for Ronnie.
Her long-lost teenage daughter Danielle died in her arms last year after being hit by a car.
Fans will see Ronnie, played by Samantha Womack wrap up her lifeless baby and rush to seek help at the pub, where a New Year's Eve party is under way.
She hears Kat's tot crying upstairs and in her grief switches it with hers, before disappearing into the night.
The story is part of the soap's festive ratings bid, which also sees the exit of Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner).
Last New Year's Eve, Archie Mitchell's murder mystery helped grab 8.2million viewers.


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