‘Beautiful’ new EastEnders relationship confirmed as legend comes to Lauren’s rescue
As a new chapter begins for Lauren, the journey is going to be far from easy, but luckily, a Walford Icon is set to support her.
Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) has been through an emotional few weeks with the birth of her baby, Jimmy, and while Lauren hoped motherhood would bring joy, it has already been filled with emotional turmoil and family tension.
Jacqueline gave clues as to what Lauren is feeling in the coming weeks as her concerns for Jimmy grow: ‘I think obviously all of the usual worries when you have a newborn is “are they eating enough”, “are they sleeping enough” but this feels like a different experience than what she had Louie.
Granted, Lauren did struggle with Louie, like many new mums do, but this is a slightly different feeling. It’s a gut instinct that there may be something not quite right.’
After their appointment with the health visitor, Lauren notices something concerning about Jimmy’s eyes.
Unable to get a doctor’s appointment, she rushes to the hospital, fearing Jimmy may be blind: ‘You hear stories all of the time, where parents have this instinct that comes over them, and they won’t leave until they at least have the reassurance. All Lauren wants is reassurance because she doesn’t actually know what’s happening. It’s a gut feeling. Lauren is that mum that would do anything for her kids.’
She described how Lauren felt when she found out Jimmy is severely sight-impaired: ‘I think it’s a real mix of emotions. The unknown is a scary place to be, and there is an element of knowing, that softens Lauren’s anxiety. She finally feels like she wasn’t going crazy, because everyone made her feel that way. The reassurance of “you were right” helps her process.’
‘She is determined to be there for Jimmy every step of the way.’
In the coming episodes, we are set to see Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) come to Lauren’s rescue in a time of need. Speaking on Linda’s support, Jacqueline shared hints of how the unlikely duo connect: ‘Linda is a little bit of a mother figure for Lauren in the sense that she can look up to her, and confide in her.
‘It’s almost strange in a sense, but it’s a really beautiful relationship, and I’m glad that it’s her that comes to Lauren’s rescue. It’s the first time all week that she feels heard, and that she feels seen. It’s the first time Lauren is being agreed with.’
Linda advises Lauren to trust her maternal instincts in regards to Jimmy, while Peter worries about Lauren’s past struggles with addiction.
Jacqueline continued, ‘I think it’s really important that the conversation is had with Linda, because they’ve shared a really similar journey with their addiction. They have both shown each other the ugly side of themselves, and on the Square.’
Their blossoming friendship is sure to resonate with fans and will be a welcome addition to the show as a much-needed female bond.
