'EastEnders' chiefs have made some last-minute changes to their harrowing New Year's Eve episode about cot death so as not to upset viewers.
The Press Association reports that the programme makers said they made small edits to certain scenes in the show, which sees Ronnie Branning lose her day-old baby before swapping it with Kat Moon's newborn son, without altering the content of the story.
Executive producer Bryan Kirkwood said: "We're very aware of the need to deal with such an emotive subject matter as sudden infant death syndrome sensitively in what is a very powerful, dramatic storyline."
Shots of Ronnie, played by Samantha Womack, touching the cold hand of her son have been edited out. Producers have also toned down the sound of Kat's baby crying, which attracts Ronnie's attention.
Kirkwood went on: "These are small edits which we have made being mindful of viewer sensitivity but which will in no way detract from the compelling drama, dialogue or performances."
An EastEnders insider said: "We didn't want one scene to overshadow a really powerful story."
