Lauren Branning’s (Jacqueline Jossa) return to Albert Square hasn’t exactly gone to plan, given that she was arrested for drug smuggling as soon as she entered the country in recent EastEnders scenes.
However, things are set to get even more dramatic when Lauren finally touches down in Walford and learns that ex-partner Peter Beale (Thomas Law) knew Penny Branning’s (Kitty Castledine) secret and failed to tell her.
Viewers recently discovered that Lauren’s arrest was all down to cousin Penny, who had been the ones to plant the drugs on her in the first place.
Furious, Lauren decides to visit mum Tanya, but is soon stopped in her tracks after Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) returns to the Square with daughter Annie in tow, and Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) reveals to Lauren that she has another sister.
Viewers will know that Annie was the result of Linda’s affair with Max Branning – Lauren’s dad – and so far Lauren has remained in the dark about their shared paternity.
With the news playing heavy on her mind, Lauren wonders if now really is the best time to head to Exeter, and soon Bobby Beale (Clay Milner Russell) is having a word in her ear on behalf of his older brother.
As he pleads Peter’s case, it gives Lauren pause for thought, and she eventually agrees to stay for a little while longer.
This decision feels like good news for Penny, who is determined to get back into her cousin’s good books.
Having heard Lauren inform Peter that she and son Louie will be sticking around and he is welcome to spend time with him, Penny hopes that Lauren will thaw to her too.
Given everything that Penny has put Lauren through, it is hardly surprising when Lauren refuses to forgive.
Not wanting any animosity between family, Sonia decides to take matters into her own hands, but will it work?
