AN EASTENDERS favourite will go into premature labour in a harrowing new storyline.

Bosses at the BBC soap have worked with specialist charity Bliss on the storyline that will show the realities of what happens when a woman goes into premature labour.

Viewers will see Nicola Mitchell – who is played by actress Laura Doddington – as she gives birth prematurely while being supported by George Knight (Colin Salmon) as they navigate an emotionally challenging and unexpected turn in their co-parenting journey.

Viewers know the couple are expecting a baby after a brief affair brought them back together.

Former Queen Vic landlord George has two daughters – Anna and Gina and son Junior – while Nicola has two grown sons, Barney and Harry.

In the coming weeks, Nicola must undergo an emergency caesarean due to complications with the birth, resulting in the early arrival of a baby girl.

With the support of their family, Nicola and George must confront the realities of co‑parenting a premature baby, both in neonatal care and once they take their daughter home.

EastEnders has sought advice from Bliss to ensure Nicola and George’s storyline is portrayed as accurately and as sensitively as possible.

Executive Producer, Ben Wadey said: “This storyline follows Nicola and George as they navigate the challenges and shared concerns of neonatal care with their premature baby, and the impact it has on them and their families.”

Annelies Hopkins, Information and Support Manager at Bliss added: “As the UK’s leading charity representing babies born premature or sick, and their families, we were grateful to be consulted on this important EastEnders storyline, which shines a light on the unexpected, distressing and often traumatic experience of having a baby in neonatal care.”