In 2006, Matilda developed bulimia. She was seen binge eating, before making herself vomit. She later broke down in her mother's arms and she ended up in hospital. The show's writing department and a medical adviser worked with eating disorder experts for the scripts. Channel Seven said "Our writers and producers are always speaking to experts in a particular field and those that have experienced an issue. Naturally, each actor also adds input to the character, performance and the storyline." During the storyline, Matilda's mother Beth Hunter (Clarissa House) calls the Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria's helpline, which prompted many calls to the foundation from younger viewers of the show. Bridget McManus of The Sydney Morning Herald said that some of the viewers had identified with Matilda's condition and had sought help, others had found the scenes so distressing that they needed support to stop themselves from doing the same thing.
