In a series of powerful upcoming episodes, EastEnders is set to deliver emotional upheaval and bombshell revelations as Lauren Branning and Peter Beale face a life-changing twist—just weeks after the birth of their baby boy, Jimmy. While the Square briefly celebrates this new arrival, the young couple’s future is thrown into turmoil following a shocking discovery that threatens to tear their fragile happiness apart.

The drama escalates after Lauren gives birth during the 7 May episode, available now on BBC iPlayer, with the unexpected support of Cindy Beale during her labour. Despite their complicated history, Cindy steps up in a critical moment to help Lauren bring Jimmy into the world. In a moment of tentative hope, Lauren and Peter choose to name their newborn after Peter’s late twin, James, giving the child a sentimental legacy—and what should be the beginning of a brighter chapter.

As the Beale family and wider Walford community rally around the couple to welcome baby Jimmy, the cracks in their domestic bliss quickly start to show. The following week, the christening celebrations are overshadowed by Cindy’s shocking public revelation: Kathy Beale is having an affair with Harvey Monroe. Her announcement causes chaos at the party, leaving relationships strained and loyalties tested. While Cindy’s motives remain unclear, her actions serve as the first ripple in a wave of disruption about to hit Peter and Lauren’s world.

By Monday, 19 May, Lauren turns to Linda Carter for guidance. With emotions running high and anxiety mounting over the future, Lauren is left questioning her next steps. The support from Linda provides a temporary sense of stability—but it doesn’t last. By the following day, Lauren is pushed to her limits and forced to act purely on instinct. The nature of this instinctive act remains under wraps, but it’s clear that she is driven by a desire to protect her family at any cost.

Meanwhile, Peter finds himself on the cusp of a revelation that will change everything. On Wednesday, 21 May, he makes what is described as an “alarming discovery.” While details remain scarce, this discovery appears to shake Peter’s sense of security and forces him and Lauren to consider whether they can truly build a future together. Whether it’s connected to Cindy’s earlier confession, Lauren’s instinctive action, or something hidden from the past, the result is the same: the family’s future hangs in the balance.

As this storyline unfolds, it runs parallel to a rising crisis within the Slater household. Lily Slater, already under tremendous emotional pressure, is seen struggling to keep her family together in the absence of Stacey’s usual stability. Kat Slater, noticing the strain on Lily and the erratic behavior of a grieving Stacey—who’s still reeling from the loss of Martin Fowler—steps in and calls a critical family meeting on Tuesday, 20 May.

By Thursday, Kat’s concerns about Stacey intensify when Arthur Fowler, Stacey’s son, confides in her with a secret he’s been keeping. The contents of Arthur’s confession could be the key to understanding Stacey’s fragile state of mind, but it may also lead to even more heartbreak for the Slater family.

Elsewhere in Albert Square, Zack Hudson remains embroiled in a bitter dispute with Nicola over his secret son, Barney. As the pressure mounts, Zack hatches a new plan that he believes will resolve the situation once and for all. However, Vicki, clearly worried about the choices he’s making, tries to intervene before things spiral out of control.

Amidst all the chaos, BBC teasers confirm that the week beginning 19 May will be filled with emotional tension, family showdowns, and irreversible decisions. While the birth of baby Jimmy should have brought peace, the fallout from secrets, betrayals, and instinct-driven choices is set to alter the lives of those involved forever.

By the time Thursday, 22 May arrives, viewers will see Lauren and Peter facing the enormity of their reality. No longer shielded by the joy of new parenthood, the couple must confront what their future truly looks like. Will they stand strong for the sake of their newborn son, or will the pressure of hidden truths and personal betrayals prove too much?

Meanwhile, the Slaters may never be the same again as secrets are unearthed, and the emotional weight of loss, responsibility, and buried trauma begins to take its toll on the family unit. And for Zack, the road to doing what he believes is right may be far more dangerous than he expected.

As EastEnders continues to weave these deeply interconnected storylines, the theme of family—both biological and chosen—remains central. From new life to shocking losses, from instinctive decisions to devastating discoveries, the residents of Walford are about to face one of the most emotionally charged weeks of the year.

Make sure to tune in to EastEnders from 19–22 May on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, where every episode promises new revelations, emotional confrontations, and the kind of dramatic storytelling fans have come to expect from Albert Square.