EastEnders aired a heart-wrenching episode as Lauren Branning (played by Jacqueline Jossa) grappled with concerns over the health of her two-week-old son, Jimmy Beale, whom she shares with Peter (Thomas Law).
The weary mum has been fretting over her newborn’s restlessness and lack of interest in feeding or sleeping. However, her anxieties were consistently brushed off by Peter and their health visitor on Wednesday (21st May).
Peter was cautioned to be vigilant for signs of postnatal depression in Lauren, and later discovered both Lauren and Jimmy absent from the house. Their older son, Louie (Jake McNally), mentioned seeing his mum take a tablet from a bottle hidden under the sink.
In the meantime, Lauren, who is recovering from addiction, was at the hospital demanding an examination for Jimmy after noticing something amiss with his eyes. Her pleas fell on deaf ears until her midwife, Hanan (Isabel Adomakoh Young), spotted her and alerted Peter about the tablets.
Peter, accompanied by his father Ian (Adam Woodyatt) and family friend Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), arrived at the hospital where Lauren clarified that she had merely been taking folic acid and had misplaced them due to exhaustion, reports Belfast Live.
Upon observing Jimmy, Linda noticed something concerning about his eyes. Hanan also took a look at Jimmy and subsequently requested a doctor’s examination.
In a heart-wrenching episode, as the doctor revealed Jimmy’s severe visual impairment, Peter panicked and insisted Ian take him home, leaving Lauren to face the news alone.
Lauren was dealt a heavy blow when the doctor explained that Jimmy had optic nerve chorioretinal coloboma, which would result in him being classified as severely sight-impaired.
The doctor comforted a distraught Lauren, assuring her that the methadone she was prescribed wouldn’t have caused Jimmy’s condition, though other drug use during pregnancy might have contributed.
Haunted by her past morphine addiction, Lauren was tormented by the thought that her actions could have damaged her son, even questioning if he was completely blind.
In a moment of solitude, Lauren made a solemn promise to herself in the bathroom, swearing off even paracetamol and pleading with God for mercy.
Yet, amidst the despair, there was a glimmer of hope as Jimmy managed to breastfeed for the first time, despite his inability to see.
The episode concluded with an evocative scene as the lights dimmed, leaving Lauren and Jimmy to bond in the darkness, symbolising their united front against the challenges ahead.
EastEnders viewers are now urging Lauren to call off her impending nuptials with Peter, criticising his lack of support.
On X, one viewer vented their frustration: “Peter going home when he should be supporting Lauren and Jimmy. That’s the final straw for him now! Lauren ditch him whilst you’re ahead. #EastEnders.”
Another fan passionately expressed: “I actually hope Lauren doesn’t marry peter she deserves way better tbh #EastEnders.”
A third viewer added their thoughts: “Hopefully Lauren leaves Peter before the wedding because if Lauren marries Peter I think Peter will control Lauren #EastEnders.
“CAN LAUREN PLS LEAVE PETER #eastenders,” pleaded another fan.
“Peter Beale is a complete waste of space, always has been, always will be! Leave him Lauren,” another viewer strongly advised.
