EastEnders fans slam 'shocking portrayal' of social services as 'child snatchers' after Stacey's kids are taken
The video will start in 8 Cancel
Get soaps updates directly to your inbox + Subscribe Thank you for subscribing! Could not subscribe, try again later Invalid Email
EastEnders fans have slammed the 'shocking portrayal' of social services as 'child snatchers' in tonight's episode.
Stacey Fowler was in floods of tears as baby Arthur and Lily were taken from her custody and handed over to Carmel Kazemi.
But viewers claimed the 'dreadful' representation of social services was 'completely wrong'.
They were also shocked at the speed by which they arrived, accompanied by police officers, just hours after Carmel rang them.
(Image: BBC)
(Image: BBC)
Carmel was horrified after Lily Fowler dropped the shock bombshell that her mum "hurt" baby Arthur.
The meddling grandmother, who was distraught after discovering Arthur's arms were covered in bruises, decided to take drastic action and got the authorities involved.
However, Lily revealed that Arthur's bruises weren't actually caused by Stacey, but it was too late for her to stop social services from coming.
(Image: BBC)
The officer said: "We've received a call about the welfare of your son Arthur Fowler and we need to ask you a few questions.
"I don't want you to be alarmed Stacey but we just need to follow up on a report we had.
"We just want to make sure Arthur has somewhere calm and safe to stay tonight and Lily would need to be with him too."
(Image: BBC)
Martin told Stacey to calm down as she burst in tears, while Carmel offered to take the kids for the night.
A guilt-ridden Carmel, who didn't reveal she was to blame, said: "Please don't worry Stace, I'll look after him, I'm sorry."
As Stacey broke down in Martin's arms, she said: "They're my babies."
(Image: BBC)
EastEnders viewers took to Twitter to reveal their outrage at the scenes.
One viewer said: "Dreadful portrayal of social services who already have a hard job convincing people they aren't child snatchers!"
Another added: "This storyline is completely wrong this is not the way, social services do it."
A third said: "Shocking protrayal of social services...shame on you @bbceastenders"
* EastEnders airs tonight on BBC One at 8.00pm