Lauren Branning returns - and gets arrested for drugs smuggling
EastEnders viewers were left stunned after spotting a recasted character in the explosive New Year's Day episode. The mum of one, Lauren Branning, played by actress Jacqueline Jossa, returned to the BBC soap five years after leaving Walford for good. However, viewers couldn't help but notice that her eight-year-old son, Louie Beale, had also been recast.
Lauren's dramatic return
Last summer, Lauren made a brief return to the show when she visited ex-Peter Beale in France and discovered that his mother, Cindy, was alive and well. In the New Year's Day episode, Lauren was still in France, staying with her cousin Penny Branning in Paris. However, their plans took a dark turn when a mysterious woman named Juliette showed up and demanded that Penny work for her again. Juliette even threatened the life of Lauren's son, Louie, to force Penny's compliance.
An unexpected arrest
As Lauren prepared to return to Walford to visit her ex-Peter and her uncle Jack, Penny saw an opportunity to escape and join them. However, when the police searched Lauren's bag at the station, they found a large brick of drugs. Lauren insisted that it wasn't hers and that she had never seen it before, but she was arrested nonetheless. Shockingly, Penny decided to keep moving with Louie, leaving fans in shock.
A new face in the cast
In addition to the dramatic storyline, viewers couldn't help but be distracted by the recasting of Louie Beale. Last June, the character was played by young actor Freddie Harrington. However, in the latest episode, a new actor named Jake McNally had taken over the role. Fans took to social media to express their surprise at the sudden change.
What's next for Lauren?
Upon her return to Albert Square, Lauren is set to make a shocking discovery - she has a sister named Annie Carter. The question remains whether she will let her dad Max Branning know about this news and if it will be enough to bring Max back to the Square.
EastEnders airs from Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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