EastEnders: Bianca's daughter, 15, will star in hard-hitting child abuse storyline

The 15-year-old daughter of Bianca Jackson will be involved in a plot which will see her struggling with the unwanted attentions of her stepfather Tony.

In the past the BBC drama has dealt with a number of sensitive issues including domestic violence, rape and HIV.

Taboo: Whitney Dean, played by Shona McGarty (right) will be involved in a child abuse storyline. Pictured with mother Bianca Jackson played by Patsy Palmer

Whitney Dean, played by Shona McGarty, first appeared in the soap in April, when mother Bianca Jackson returned to Albert Square.

Bianca, played by Patsy Palmer reappeared for Frank Butcher's funeral along with a brood of four children.

Viewers have heard the Jacksons talk about stepfather Tony, but he has not appeared in the soap and the part has not yet been cast.

A spokesperson for the soap told Digital Spy: 'EastEnders is currently planning a future storyline which will tackle sexual abuse within the Jackson family.

'The programme is working very closely with the NSPCC so that this subject is accurately and sensitively portrayed.

'EastEnders is a contemporary drama which aims to tackle and reflect real-life issues together with raising awareness of the sensitivities that sometimes accompany them.'

John Grounds of the NSPCC said of the forthcoming plot: 'Programmes like EastEnders are increasingly helping to raise awareness of the hidden nature of sexual abuse.

'The NSPCC's work with the BBC on the forthcoming EastEnders storyline is aimed at ensuring the portrayal of child abuse accurately reflects the damage it can do to the victim, their family and the wider community.

'This is vital in persuading people to take action to stop it and encouraging children to speak out.'