What is Usher Syndrome as EastEnders’ Britney gets shock diagnosis in worrying scenes for Whitney
Whitney Dean will be left surprised to learn her 'adopted' daughter Britney has been diagnosed with Usher Syndrome on the BBC soap today
EastEnders’ Britney will receive a shock diagnosis on the BBC soap tonight.
Britney returned to Walford alongside Whitney Dean, who had unofficially adopted her when she went to Milton Keynes to visit Bianca. Whitney had become close to Britney and after learning how her mum wasn’t able to look after her, she decided she needed to step in and adopt Britney, even if she couldn’t do it officially.
However, now back in Walford, Whitney is faced with a dilemma when Britney is diagnosed with Usher Syndrome. Whitney is left reeling by the diagnosis, as her and Zack decide how they can best handle it all.
Whitney is left shocked by Britney’s diagnosis (
BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
What is Usher Syndrome?
Usher Syndrome is categorised into three types. In Britney’s case, she has been diagnosed with Type 2 Usher Syndrome, which is usually found in children who are born with hearing loss. In most cases, it can be helped with the addition of hearing aids, meaning that kids diagnosed with this syndrome can usually learn to speak. For Type 2, there is a wide range of severity and it can be the case that vision problems don’t occur until a person reaches their teenage years.
Symptoms of Usher Syndrome include hearing loss, vision loss, balance problems and sometimes speech difficulties. There is no cure for Usher Syndrome but treatment can focus on mitigating the symptoms. This includes things like hearing aids or cochlear implants, whilst people may wish to learn sign language, lip reading or braille to assist with their hearing or vision.
Why is EastEnders not on iPlayer?
Today’s episode of EastEnders’ early release was delayed – as they added footage from Sunday’s London Marathon. The soap is usually uploaded on BBC iPlayer at 6am each day before it airs in the evening on BBC One, but today it was delayed until 1pm to allow for the footage filmed at the London Marathon yesterday with Jay and Honey to be added.
In an Instagram post, EastEnders wrote: ” Emma Barton and Jamie Borthwick have just completed the London Marathon for an upcoming storyline that will see their characters, Honey and Jay, take on the event in memory of their beloved Lola.
“As well as running on behalf of their chosen charities, Emma and Jamie run parts in character to film various scenes along the route. These scenes will be edited into the main show this evening and viewers will be able to watch the special scenes tomorrow (Monday 22nd April) from 1300 on BBC iPlayer and at 1930 on BBC One. @londonmarathon #LondonMarathon.”
