Tonight's (October 30) EastEnders saw Walford celebrating Halloween, as well as a struggling Hayley Slater in the throes of labour.

After arguing with Ian and her cab breaking down completely, she quickly realised there was no way she was getting to the hospital on her own.

Her contractions intensified, and any chance of help went out of the window as Jean was blind drunk and Keanu missed her frantic calls.

Hayley Slater in labour in EastEnderspinterest
BBC

In some intense scenes from the square, Hayley got no help from passers-by as her panicked cries and bloody dress frightened them in the midst of their trick-or-treating. All too late, Jean and Kat finally realised that the cab was gone and Hayley was nowhere to be found.

The emotional moments became the focus of the episode for fans and sparked praise, especially after Hayley's moving promises to her baby about their future together.

However, the critics were well and truly haunting Hayley.

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The outcry against the storyline was so fierce that people switched off completely.

The episode left the audience with a powerful cliffhanger, though – Hayley cradling her new baby, desperately pleading that it wakes up.

Hayley's story might have put some people off, but it's a reason to return for others.

EastEnders airs Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays on BBC One.

Read more news, spoilers and gossip on our EastEnders homepage

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