Fears grow for the health of Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) in the wake of baby Jimmy’s birth in upcoming EastEnders spoilers.
Recovering alcoholic Lauren didn’t have a particularly easy pregnancy, growing addicted to painkillers following last year’s club crush.
These painkillers had been sourced by a scheming Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins), in an attempt to buy Lauren’s silence after she realised she’d been responsible for an accident which left Kojo Asare (Dayo Koleosho) unconscious and traumatised.
Thankfully, Lauren’s fears for her unborn child’s health seemingly came to naught when she gave birth to little Jimmy – named after her grandpa, Jim Branning (John Bardon).
The family now becomes concerned for Lauren as she struggles with the infant. And, as Peter grows worried about her history with addiction, he begins to wonder whether she might be using again.
Lauren is having a difficult time with motherhood as she struggles with baby Jimmy.
Following a confrontation with Cindy – who wants Lauren to talk Peter into letting her back into their lives – Lauren grows upset, fearing that she’s a bad mother.
Later, Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) comes to see Lauren, and the pair talk candidly about their experiences with addiction and substance abuse.
Feeling encouraged by her talk with Linda, Lauren is ready to listen to her maternal instincts – and becomes worried that there’s something not right with Jimmy.
With tensions continuing to run high between Lauren and Peter, the pair welcome a visit from health worker Belinda.
Lauren is frustrated when Belinda dismisses her concerns about Jimmy’s health – while Peter’s concerns grow as Belinda privately suggests that Lauren may be experiencing symptoms of post-natal depression.
Later, looking into Jimmy’s eyes, Lauren is convinced that she’s spotted cause for concern – and demands an emergency appointment at the hospital.
Fearing that Jimmy might be blind, Lauren demands that someone examine Jimmy properly.
Meanwhile, Peter panics when he and Louie arrive home to find Lauren gone. His concern turns to alarm when Louie mentions that he’s spotted his mum taking pills.
At the hospital, midwife Hannan calls Peter after seeing Lauren. He arrives at the hospital with Ian (Adam Woodyatt) and Linda also in tow… and she’s left horrified when she realises that he thinks she’s relapsed.
Meanwhile, finally taking Lauren’s concerns seriously, Hannan suggests that a consultant should examine Jimmy. After looking at Jimmy’s eyes, the consultant tells Lauren and Peter that their baby is severely sight impaired.
Lauren and Peter are left reeling as they try to process Jimmy’s diagnosis. Returning to the Square, Lauren finds comfort in conversation with Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) and Lily (Lillia Turner).
Back home, she and Peter share an emotional moment as she tries to convince him that everything will be alright.
Can they be there for baby Jimmy?
