EastEnders fans are predicting a DNA twist for Lauren Branning, 20 years after her character first arrived in Walford. Speculation is rife that her entire family history may be a lie, with many believing Max Branning is not her biological father.
Lauren Branning's Walford History
In June 2006, Max Branning, played by Jake Wood, arrived in Walford to reconnect with his estranged father, Jim Branning (John Bardon), and his son, Bradley (Charlie Clements). A month later, Max's wife Tanya (Jo Joyner) joined him with their two daughters, Lauren (initially Madeline Duggan) and Abi Branning (Lorna Fitzgerald). The family settled on Albert Square, but their relationships have been fraught with infidelity and secrets.
Max and Tanya's marriage was marred by extramarital affairs, including Lauren's explosive revelation of her father's affair with Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) during a 2007 festive episode. In 2008, Tanya betrayed Max by starting a romance with his brother, Jack Branning (Scott Maslen), after Jack supported the family following Max's affair.
Current Storylines and Flash-Forward Twist
Max is now set to marry Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins), unaware that Max recently had an intimate encounter with Priya Nadra Hart (Sophie Khan Levy). A flash-forward episode revealed events set to unfold on New Year's Day 2027, showing Max preparing for his wedding while involved with another expectant mother. Max was later arrested on suspicion of soliciting murder, leaving Lauren devastated.
Fan Theories About Lauren's Paternity
Some EastEnders fans speculate that Jack Branning could be Lauren's real biological father. On Reddit, a viewer posted: "Conspiracy theory... Lauren Branning. I really think that Lauren is not Max's but Jack's daughter. I think this won't be found out for a couple of years. Think about it... EVERY SINGLE one of Max's kids has lighter hair, either blonde or ginger, apart from Lauren."
A second user agreed: "It would be interesting but would need some serious retcon bearing in mind the major palaver when Jack and Tanya fell for each other during the divorce with Max." Another fan noted: "Now that you've pointed that out, I definitely think the casting was deliberate to allow for this to be a thing down the line."
One viewer added: "I actually think Jack treats Lauren more like a daughter than he treats Penny like one. It would be a brilliant twist, but I can't see it happening sadly." Another exclaimed: "Oh this is goooood....."
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer.
