Emmerdale producers speak out on assisted suicide storyline

Emmerdale producers Steve November and Stuart Blackburn have finally spoken out on the show's assisted suicide storyline. Viewers have watched the heartbreaking scenes as tetraplegic Jackson Walsh, played by Marc Silcock, has begged his boyfriend Aaron Livesy (Danny Miller) and mother Hazel Rhodes (Pauline Quirke) to help him end his life.

In a joint interview with Soaplife magazine, Executive Producer Steve and new Series Producer Stuart explained that Aaron and Hazel will continue to be haunted by their decision to help Jackson end his life.

The pair said: "For Hazel and especially Aaron, Jackson's death is only the start of their story. In the case of Aaron, his is a long and deeply moving journey to the tragic realisation that despite everything he had believed, he and Hazel have ultimately done the wrong thing at the wrong time.

"What Aaron comes to understand is that Jackson had a life worth living and should have been given - despite all his protestations - the time and space to understand this for himself."

Emmerdale has liaised with doctors, individuals, charities and organisations dealing with issues related to spinal injuries and those supporting and opposing the 'right to die' debate.

The duo added: "We believe we have and will continue to fully represent all sides with equal weight and integrity. We are proud of the way we have tackled this story and it is our hope it will make people think about this sensitive issue. We hope the story will create a constructive debate and our audience will be challenged in a positive way.

"We have been in contact with the Samaritans and their helpline will be available afterwards. We would urge anyone having similar thoughts to Jackson to seek support."

Jackson will make his emotional exit on Tuesday 7th June but that only signifies the start of a rollercoaster of events for Hazel and Aaron who have to face up to the legalities of their actions.

From the minute rumours started to circulate of an assisted suicide storyline that would result in Jackson's demise, fans have been dreading the departure of actor Marc Silcock and the end of popular couple 'Aarson'.

While the Samaritans will offer advice to those in a similar situation to Jackson, The Emmerdaily will be on hand to provide tissues and emotional support to 'Aarsonists' everywhere.