EastEnders is gearing up for a dramatic twist as Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) faces significant health and relationship issues with her boyfriend Peter Beale (Thomas Law).
In the recent instalments of the One soap, Lauren found out she was expecting after being urged by Anna Knight (Molly Rainford) to take a pregnancy test. This came on the heels of weeks of ill health following a horrifying crush incident that left her injured.
The unexpected news followed a doctor’s advice to Lauren to reduce her medication intake and switch to over-the-counter alternatives for pain management, refusing to prescribe any more potent pills. Battling persistent pain and daily headaches, she soon attributed her symptoms to her pregnancy.
In the upcoming week, Lauren wrestles with health worries in the wake of her pregnancy revelation, adding another dimension to the unfolding drama.
Still reeling from the nightclub mishap at Peggy’s, she continues to withhold a secret from her boyfriend, Peter, and her family. As Peter tries to support Lauren, they end up in a disagreement, leading Cindy to intervene with a cautionary note for Lauren, reports .
Kathy and Peter look on worried as Lauren clutches her chest (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Anna gives Peter food for thought, prompting him to question Lauren at No. 45 about her potential drinking habits. But how will she react to Peter’s probing?
The situation worsens for the pregnant mum in the coming week as her relationship further crumbles, and she gets entangled in Peter’s mother Cindy Beale’s (Michelle Collins) web of deceit.
However, Lauren soon finds herself at odds with Cindy when Kojo Asare (Dayo Koleosho) catches her with lover Junior Knight (Micah Balfour).
Cindy, Lauren, Ian and Peter gather in next weeks EastEnders (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
A confrontation between Cindy and Kojo leaves him seriously injured. Lauren arrives on the scene, exchanges heated words with Cindy before Kojo is rushed to hospital.
In the aftermath, Cindy frantically tries to cover her tracks, much to Lauren’s dismay, who then vows to uncover Cindy’s secrets.
But with Lauren already under stress due to her pregnancy, will this added burden prove too overwhelming?
airs Monday-Thursday at 7:30pm on One and iPlayer