EastEnders fans are speculating that Lauren Branning and Peter Beale’s newborn might be named after a former actor from the show.

The BBC soap has seen a string of exits recently with Sonia Fowler and Bianca Jackson both bidding farewell last month.

Additionally, fans are still adjusting to the absence of Martin Fowler and Reiss Colwell, who lost their lives in an explosion at the Queen Vic during the 40th anniversary week in February.

During Wednesday night’s episode (May 8), Cindy Beale had to step up when Lauren’s ambulance was delayed.

Despite past disagreements. the two women teamed up to handle the situation.

Before Cindy’s affair with Junior Knight was revealed at Christmas, she had been supplying drugs to Lauren for quick cash.

However, upon her return to the show on Monday (May 5), Cindy displayed a seldom-seen softer side as she comforted Lauren in the hospital.

With Peter, the baby’s father and her fiancé, missing, Lauren confessed her worries about how her addiction could affect her newborn.

Lauren successfully gave birth to a healthy baby and Ian, Kathy and Peter Beale eventually showed up,instructing Cindy to leave, reports the Manchester Evening News.

EastEnders viewers were left scratching their heads after a name-related mystery unfolded on the latest episode.

Despite Cindy being there for Lauren in tough times, Peter made it clear to his mother that he’s firm about not wanting Cindy in his life going forward.

The plot thickened when Peter and Lauren agreed to christen their newborn son Jim, just as Cindy informed Ian and Kathy of her plans to go after their business empires.

The choice of the name Jim Branning sparked conversations among fans online, with some assuming it pays homage to Lauren’s deceased grandfather who was Dot Cotton’s husband.

But Martin Fowler, played by James Bye, is known amongst the cast as Jimmy, a detail that die-hard fans did not miss and have been actively discussing on the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

One social media user expressed their confusion, writing: “Why have they called it Jimmy? I thought they’d have called it Martin unless is a tribute to the actors?”

Meanwhile, another speculated: “I thought Jimmy might have been a nod to James bye aka who gets called Jimmy (aka Martin fowler) #EastEnders.”

A third person chimed in: “I see some people annoyed by the name of Peter and Lauren’s new baby, Jimmy. James is a Branning name. Jim Branning was Lauren’s Granddad, and Jack previously named his late son after Jim also. #EastEnders.”

EastEnders has once again ignited a social media storm, this time over the name of Lauren Branning and Peter Beale’s newborn son — Jimmy — a choice that has left viewers both emotional and divided.

The drama unfolded during the May 8 episode, when Lauren gave birth with unexpected help from her one-time enemy Cindy Beale. With the ambulance delayed, the two women — despite their fraught history, including Cindy’s past as Lauren’s drug supplier — teamed up in a moment of desperation and compassion. The baby’s arrival was a much-needed glimmer of joy amid the show’s recent string of character exits and tragedy.

But when Peter arrived and revealed that he and Lauren had decided to name their son Jim (Jimmy), EastEnders fans immediately began speculating — and some were scratching their heads.

🔍 Tribute to Granddad Jim Branning?

Many viewers quickly made the logical connection to Jim Branning, Lauren’s beloved late grandfather and husband of Dot Cotton. Jim has long been a significant figure in EastEnders lore, representing a strong Branning legacy. He was also previously honoured when Jack Branning named his late son Jim in tribute.

“James is a Branning name. Jim Branning was Lauren’s Granddad,” one fan tweeted. “Jack previously named his late son after Jim too.”

From this perspective, baby Jimmy could be seen as a poignant family nod, especially as Lauren continues to carry the emotional weight of the Branning name — including her struggles with addiction and motherhood.

🎭 Tribute to Martin Fowler Actor James Bye?

But not all fans are convinced that this tribute is purely in-universe. Some viewers believe “Jimmy” may be a meta nod — referencing James Bye, the actor who played Martin Fowler, and who tragically exited the soap earlier this year when Martin was killed in the Queen Vic explosion during the show’s 40th anniversary special.

“Why have they called it Jimmy? I thought they’d have called it Martin unless it’s a tribute to the actor?” a puzzled fan wrote.

Another chimed in: “I thought Jimmy might have been a nod to James Bye aka Martin Fowler #EastEnders.”

Considering the emotional weight of Martin’s death, and the bond he shared with many characters, it’s not far-fetched to think the show’s writers may have chosen the name “Jimmy” as a quiet send-off or subtle tribute — a way to honour the actor behind a much-loved character who left under tragic circumstances.

⚖️ Fan Theories Split Down the Middle

The baby name debate has now spilled over into Reddit threads and soap forums, with two dominant theories emerging:

• Theory 1: Jimmy is a tribute to Jim Branning
  ✔️ A strong in-show connection
  ✔️ Fits the Branning family tradition
  ✔️ Previously used by Jack for his son

• Theory 2: Jimmy is a nod to James Bye (Martin Fowler)
  ✔️ Martin was recently killed off
  ✔️ He was close to both families involved
  ✔️ James Bye is known affectionately as “Jimmy” on set

💥 Drama Behind the Name

Of course, in true EastEnders fashion, the sentimental moment didn’t pass without added drama. As Peter and Lauren decided on the name, Cindy was quickly pushed aside — despite having helped deliver the baby. Peter made it clear that Cindy, his mother, had no place in his life after everything she had done.

Moments later, Cindy was seen confiding in Ian and Kathy, announcing her plans to go after their business empires — a move that might make Jimmy’s christening a mere footnote in the coming chaos.

🍼 What’s Next for Lauren, Peter, and Baby Jimmy?

With Lauren still battling addiction fears and Peter caught between family loyalty and fresh resentment, baby Jimmy’s arrival marks both a new beginning and a potential battlefield. Cindy’s ambitions, Linda’s growing concern, and the lingering trauma from the Queen Vic explosion all threaten to disrupt what should be a time of peace.

As for the name — EastEnders is no stranger to multi-layered meanings. Whether it’s a tribute to Jim Branning, James Bye, or intentionally both, the choice of “Jimmy” adds an emotional resonance that fans won’t forget anytime soon.