EastEnders has released two special online clips to mark World Menopause Day, featuring four beloved characters in honest conversations about menopause and perimenopause.
The first clip, captioned 'A moment to pause. A conversation worth having', shows Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) and Honey Mitchell (Emma Barton) meeting at the tube station, where Linda experiences a hot flush. Honey, who began her menopause journey this year, has a hand-held fan to help.
Linda and Honey's honest exchange
'Brain fog, hot flushes and drawers full of handheld fans… sometimes it helps to compare notes with a friend. And what better time to start the conversation than World Menopause Day?' the caption begins.
In 'The Pause: Linda & Honey', Linda opens up about menopause, and Honey shares her own experiences. The caption adds: 'Their honest conversation makes space for the things that too often go unspoken or get brushed aside. Menopause is different for everyone, but talking openly, listening to each other and having a giggle along the way can help you feel less alone.'
As Linda tries to compare her hot flush to a desert, she forgets the word entirely, only able to describe it as 'big and hot', before Honey suggests Hugh Jackman and Idris Elba. 'Honestly, I think the heat is burning holes in my brain,' Linda says, before struggling to find the word to compare her brain to. Both she and Honey realise at once: 'sieve'.
Chelsea and Yolande find common ground
The second clip sees Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) and Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams) cross paths in the café. As Chelsea starts to open up, everything around them freezes.
'Life in Walford rarely slows down but taking time to talk matters,' the caption begins. 'To mark World Menopause Day 'The Pause: Chelsea & Yolande' sees Chelsea open up about the beginning of her perimenopause journey, while Yolande reflects on her own experiences. Two women at different stages of life, finding common ground, reassurance and humour in an honest chat. Whether you're going through it yourself or want to understand someone else's experience, it's good to talk… and just as important to listen.'
After a brief pregnancy misunderstanding, Chelsea explains that she thinks she's in perimenopause and has been tracking her symptoms due to her cycle being 'all over the place'. She details the deep anxiety caused by her fluctuating hormones and admits she's dreading a future of 'elasticated waistbands'.
Reassurance and shared experiences
Yolande, having experienced menopause herself, tells Chelsea she is 'in the prime of life' and sympathises with how brutal it can be, while highlighting the positive changes that come with it. When Chelsea worries she'll never have a sex life again, Yolande tells her that sex is like a 'fine wine, it gets better with age'.
Yolande reminds Chelsea that she is more than just the ability to conceive and bolsters her confidence in herself.
