EastEnders‘ Jacqueline Jossa has revealed an unexpected friendship for Lauren Branning amid a tragic new storyline.
Recent episodes have seen Lauren struggling to cope after giving birth to her new son Jimmy. The mum-of-two has noticed some worrying behaviours from her baby, including excessive crying and his inability to latch while breastfeeding.
Next week’s scenes will offer an explanation for Lauren’s fears when baby Jimmy is diagnosed with a severe visual impairment.
“Lauren is obviously overwhelmed by it all, and I think that’s why she is coming across as slightly chaotic. However, it’s just because she doesn’t know where to put her focus. She knows that something isn’t right with Jimmy’s behaviour, but she’s not even 100%,” said Jossa.
Lauren is frustrated that her fiancé Peter Beale doesn’t share her concerns. However, she finds a surprising ally in Linda Carter who advises Lauren to listen to her maternal instincts.
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“I think it’s really important that the conversation is had with Linda, because they’ve shared a really similar journey with their addiction,” explained Jossa.
“They have both shown each other the ugly side of themselves, and on the Square, 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.”
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Later, while looking into Jimmy’s eyes, Lauren realises that something isn’t right. Listening to Linda’s advice, she rushes him to the hospital.
At first, midwife Hannan thinks Lauren might be using drugs again, and calls Peter to share her fears. But following a proper examination, a doctor confirms Jimmy is severely visually impaired.
The star shared that Lauren feels “a real mix of emotions” after finally receiving the proper diagnosis for her son.
She added: “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.”
