The Living End Suicidal Education | Info About Maritime Education Job Fair

There's no getting away from it: British soaps are depressing. Not only do they lack the glamour and glitzy settings of their American counterparts, they also pile unrelenting misery on their loyal fans. Adultery, arson, robbery and even the odd spot of cold-blooded murder are just some of the essential components to the storylines that grip the nation. In fact, it's almost what the viewer has come to expect, and as for the programme makers - well, it helps increase ratings.

However, sometimes a storyline comes along which attracts a fair amount of criticism and makes some viewers wonder if too much is being sacrificed in the quest for popularity. One such story, revolves around the assisted suicide of Jackson Walsh, a character in the ITV soap, Emmerdale.

Jackson's story

Almost from the moment Jackson's character was introduced in March 2010, his end was being mapped out behind the scenes. He was brought in as the first boyfriend of troubled teen, Aaron Livesy, and was fundamental in that character's decision to come out as gay to his friends and family.