Disabled Eastenders actress Lisa Hammond says people think she's paralysed due to her wheelchair

Hammond has played market stall owner Donna Yates since 2014

(Rex Features)

Eastenders actress Lisa Hammond says she is often the victim of abuse over her disability due to a poor understanding of her condition.

Hammond, who joined Albert Square last year as tough market stall holder Donna Yates, has a restricted growth condition that means she often relies on a wheelchair for additional support.

But speaking to The Daily Star, she admitted that when she is able to get out of her chair she is often met with a negative reaction from people because they assume she is paralysed.

She explained: “The main image of wheelchair users is that of paralysis. So when I get out of my chair to do a scene on my feet, people don’t like it. If I’m feeling good and want to walk in that scene, I will. But if I can’t or pain levels are bad then I’ll use my chair.”

Hammond often switches between being on her feet and being in her chair both on and off camera, something which confuses the public so much she gets approached in the street.

"I’ve been shouted at. I’ve had people say, 'Oi, why are you in a chair when you were walking on EastEnders last night?'"

"People always think I’m this feisty girl and I can hold my own but in those moments you just don’t think of anything to say. It’s shock and disbelief. I have to laugh it off."

When Hammond was cast, producers revealed that the character of Donna was not written specifically as having a disability, but they were so impressed with her audition they cast her. The move was praised by activists.