Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) makes a startling discovery in EastEnders next week when she finds out she is pregnant.
The character has been struggling with pain management following her injuries in the crowd crush at Peggy’s back in September.
With her condition not improving, her family are concerned for her next week when she lashes out at partner Peter Beale (Thomas Law) and their son Louis.
A tearful Lauren admits she’s not coping with the pain and books herself a GP appointment.
She’s frustrated when the doctor tells her she needs to reduce her pain medication and that she can’t have another prescription.
During a later conversation with Anna Knight (Molly Rainford) about her symptoms, Anna is struck by a thought – could Lauren be pregnant?
In The Vic toilets, Lauren then does a test – and is stunned when it’s positive.
The exchange between Lauren and Anna also mirrors the way Lauren suspected Anna may be pregnant earlier this year, when she was suffering from classic symptoms.
Anna ultimately decided to terminate her pregnancy and keep the news from her then-boyfriend Bobby Beale (Clay Milner Russell).
However, the truth came out in explosive fashion after Bobby caught her kissing his best friend Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier).
Meanwhile, Jacqueline – who returned to our screens in December 2023 –recently hinted at the drama ahead for her character in a cryptic Instagram post.
