EastEnders fans predict Jacqueline Jossa return as Lauren Branning after THIS clue is dropped

Josh Hemmings Lauren Branning

Eagle-eyed EastEnders fans predict Lauren could return after last night's episode dropped a hint...

EastEnders fans have become convinced that Lauren Branning could be returning to Walford after last night's episode appeared to drop hints.

Not for the first time in recent months, Lauren's name was mentioned during a scene - this time between Kathy and Peter Beale.

EastEnders Kathy cross with Peter Beale

Kathy wasn't happy about the fact Peter has been ignoring Lauren's calls (Picture: BBC)

Viewers will remember that Lauren was last mentioned in November last year when it was revealed her home in New Zealand had burned down.

She then called Peter, who she shares a son, Louie, with and asked if she could borrow some cash to get back on her feet.

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But of course, Peter went straight to Ian, who was having some serious money dramas of his own at the time.

EastEnders Kathy cross with Peter Beale

Fans think that this latest mention of Lauren could mean she is heading back to Walford (Picture: BBC)

Last night's EastEnders saw Kathy having a go at Peter for not calling Lauren and Louie, and instead spending his time chasing Ash.

Ash quizzed Peter about his relationship with his son later in the episode, with Peter revealing he spoke to Louie on a weekly basis.

EastEnders Peter Beale chats to Ash Panesar

Ash grilled Peter about his relationship with his son, Louie (Picture: BBC)

But could all these little mentions of Lauren and Louie mean they could be returning to our screens any time soon?

EastEnders fans seem to hope so...

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The only drawback to Lauren returning to EastEnders would be the fact her dad, Max Branning, has only just left.

Lauren Branning and Peter Beale together

Lauren and Peter share a son, Louie (Picture: BBC) (Image credit: BBC/Jack Barnes)

Or could one Branning leaving just pave the way for another one returning?

EastEnders airs Mondays at 8.05pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.35pm and Fridays at 8.30pm on BBC One - see our TV Guide for full listings.

Claire Crick
Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia. 


After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off


She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz! 


As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.