EastEnders‘ Louie Beale has shared a heartbreaking confession, forcing his parents to take action.
Things have been tense between Lauren Branning and Peter Beale after they found out that their newborn son Jimmy is visually impaired. Peter placed the blame on Lauren, believing that her drug use during pregnancy was the cause of Jimmy’s condition.
Yesterday, doctors confirmed that Jimmy’s blindness was the result of a genetic mutation, which is not inherited or caused by opioid use. Though Peter apologised for accusing Lauren, things remained frosty between the couple and they had yet another angry showdown back at home.
Overhearing his parents arguing, Louie tried to comfort his little brother. Later, Peter and Lauren were horrified to discover both of their sons were missing from the house.
In tonight’s episode, the pair frantically enlisted the help of their neighbours as they tried to locate the kids. Viewers learnt that Louie had taken Jimmy to the park to shield him from the shouting.
“I read this thing at school, it said you might be over-compensating with your hearing, ’cause you can’t see. So I think you can hear mum and dad arguing ’cause I can see you getting upset,” he told the baby.
The boys were soon found by Jay Brown, who took them back to their relieved parents. Pulling Peter aside, Jay explained why Louie had taken Jimmy, and encouraged him to make things right with Lauren.
Back at home, Louie told his parents: “I didn’t want Jimmy to be scared. I know he can hear it, but he can’t see what it is. He must get so frightened.”
Lauren and Peter were devastated as they realised how much they upset their boys. They apologised to each other and vowed to sort out their issues amicably.
In an emotional scene, Peter shared how much he loved Lauren and assured her she was a great mother. Lauren revealed she had kept her engagement ring and, as Peter placed it back on her finger, the pair decided to make another go of their relationship.