Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) has fears for her unborn baby in EastEnders next week, as fiancé Peter Beale (Thomas Law) causes fresh upset.
As viewers of the BBC One soap will remember, last year, Lauren sustained injuries during a mass crushing at Peggy’s Bar, and the pain became too much handle.
She quickly developed a painkiller addiction, even taking her cousin Amy Mitchell’s (Ellie Dadd) liquid morphine.
To make matters worse, Lauren fell pregnant, which was only intensifying the situation.
When Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) realised what Lauren was doing, she threatened to expose the ordeal to Peter, who had already become suspicious.
In a shocking twist, Cindy would go on to deal her own pills.
Horrified Peter Beale (Thomas Law) realised something was wrong when Lauren fell asleep and let a candle set fire to their bedroom.
He wondered whether her alcohol addiction had relapsed, and on Christmas Day, she told everyone about Cindy’s devious behaviour – as well as her fling with former step-son Junior Knight (Micah Balfour).
Cindy then left Walford two months ago, feeling like she had no future and that her family would never forgive her.
Nobody has heard from her since – despite Peter’s best efforts to get in touch.
On Mother’s Day, Lauren had a check-up with the midwife, and she asked Peter to ensure he was there for support.
He was too preoccupied with the fact Cindy had blocked his number, and even her friend Gita – who she had gone to stay with – hadn’t seen her in weeks.
Peter missed the scan, and Lauren saw red. She told him that he would have to make a choice between his family, and his estranged mother.
His dad Ian (Adam Woodyatt) encouraged him to show some commitment to Lauren, son Louie and their unborn child, and he decided to get down on one knee.
Lauren was still too upset, and declined his proposal. However, after a change of heart, she then reciprocated the gesture and his answer was a resounding ‘yes’!
In upcoming scenes, Lauren has yet another appointment ahead of their engagement party.
The couple head to the hospital and the midwife talks them through the potential complications that could have arisen as a result of her drug addiction.
During the consultation, Peter is distracted by his phone and exits to make a call.
When the party gets underway, Lauren can’t help but think about what the midwife told her, and finds it hard to celebrate.
After retreating to the Harry’s Barn office, Kathy (Gillian Taylforth) convinces her to rejoin the bash and enjoy herself.
However, the good vibes are short lived when Cindy makes a grand return and ruffles feathers. She tells everyone that Kathy attacked her on Christmas Day, and an upset Lauren heads home.
Alone in the house, her waters break… and there’s only one person on hand to help her – Cindy.
