Bianca continues to be adamant that Reiss is hiding something, convinced he has killed his wife Debbie – but one character in Albert Square believes they know what’s wrong with her

Freddie Slater believes Bianca Jackson may be affected by ADHD after the Walford favourite has gone above and beyond to bring Reiss Colwell down.

Bianca, portrayed by Patsy Palmer, is desperate to free her sister Sonia Fowler from prison, as the beloved nurse was framed for Debbie’s murder by her own fiance.

But while she’s adamant on Reiss being the real culprit, many in Albert Square believe she is spiralling out of control and one notable resident, Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace), has begged her to get help for her depression.

However, this Thursday (October 3, 2024), Bianca was confronted by another concerned Walford resident in the cafe as Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier) gave her his own diagnosis, based on his own experience, as he told her she may be struggling with ADHD.

Freddie Slater gave her his own diagnosis, based on his own experience, as he told her she may be struggling with ADHD (Image: BBC)

As regular viewers of the London-based drama will remember, Freddie himself was diagnosed with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) shortly after his return to Albert Square. And while he’s not a qualified professional, Freddie’s statement isn’t so far-fetched.

The developmental disorder affects a person’s behaviour and can make it difficult for them to function in daily life, as it is considered a dysfunction of executive functioning, which is primarily frontal lobe activity. Experts will know that the frontal lobe is crucial in our day-to-day as this area of the brain is responsible for higher cognitive functions such as memory, emotions, impulse control, problem solving social interaction and motor function.

ADHD symptoms include a difficulty to pay attention and stay on task, making it difficult for individuals to be organised, it can also cause episodes of hyperactivity and people living with the condition are also known to be impulsive.

The disorder can come hand-in-hand with other conditions such as autism and even depression. Individuals living with ADHD, or any other similar condition like autism, have an increased risk of depression and a higher risk of suicide than people who suffer from depression alone. But how does this apply to Bianca?

Long-term viewers of the London-based show will know that Bianca has, at best, always been somewhat scattered and never shied away from public brawls or rows. Recent instalments have revealed she has struggled with symptoms of depression, hinting at the possibility that Freddie could be right.

Many people suffering from ADHD are often diagnosed in adulthood as some of their symptoms may not have been recognised during their childhood. They could also be impacted by a milder form of ADHD. Much like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD is also often confused with other mental health conditions such as anxiety, bipolar disorder and even obsessive-compulsive disorder.

While the possibility of Bianca having ADHD has yet to be confirmed, one fellow legend could set her back on the straight and narrow as they return to Albert Square after years away. Bianca is due to come face to face with her father David Wicks in upcoming scenes as actor Michael French has reprised his role in the long-running show. But what are his intentions and how will he react to Cindy Beale being alive and well?