Lauren Branning’s (Jacqueline Jossa) goes into labour in EastEnders next week – and is stuck with the mother-in-law from hell Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins).
The pair have never seen eye to eye, only worsened by Cindy dealing drugs to Lauren throughout her pregnancy.
She had sustained injuries during a mass crushing at the nightclub, and the pain had become too much to bare.
Horrified Peter Beale (Thomas Law) discovered what was happening after his fiancée fell asleep and let a candle set fire to their bedroom.
He began to wonder whether her alcohol addiction had relapsed, and on Christmas Day, Lauren revealed all about Cindy’s fling with Junior Knight (Micah Balfour), as well as the pills she had been giving her.
Ostracised from her family, she fled to stay with old pal Gita Kapoor (Shobu Kapoor) in February, and hasn’t been seen since.
Peter even missed a baby scan when he tried to reach out to his mum on Mother’s Day.
In upcoming scenes, the couple prepare to celebrate their engagement.
Prior to the party, they head for a final midwife check-up. Lauren panics when potential complications with the pregnancy are discussed, and she sees red when Peter leaves her to take a call.
Back in Albert Square, Kathy Cotton (Gillian Taylforth) is having a nightmare with the plans and the venue has to be changed from The Albert to Harry’s Barn.
With the help of Gina Knight (Francesca Henry), Mo Harris (Laila Morse), Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) and Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley), the group try and get things back on track – but it becomes apparent that they’re not up for the job.
Despite everything, the celebrations get into full swing, though Lauren is still concerned and retreats to the office after Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) makes an ill-judged comment.
Kathy convinces her to rejoin the gathering and enjoy herself, just as Cindy walks in.
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Nobody is happy to see her there, and as the atmosphere becomes increasingly hostile, Peter tries to defuse the situation.
Lauren is furious, and issues him a troubling ultimatum – it’s her, or Cindy.
As both the Beale and Knight clans shun her, Cindy decides it’s time to reveal that Kathy attacked her with a shovel on Christmas Day. What a bombshell!
Lauren rushes home, and as Cindy chases after her, she’s shocked to find that she is in labour.
She decides to take matters into her own hands, but with the ambulance delayed and the clock ticking, this is going to be an incredibly awkward situation for Lauren!
