EastEnders fans believe they have solved the mystery of baby Ethan's parentage, following a dramatic flashforward to 2027 that aired on the BBC soap. The episode introduced a baby named Ethan, who was being cared for by Jack Branning, leading many to initially assume he was Jack's son.
Fan Theories Point Away From Jack
Despite Jack being seen looking after the infant, a wave of speculation on social media platform X suggests viewers are convinced the child belongs to other Walford residents. The most prominent theory centres on Jack's daughter, Amy Mitchell, with her boyfriend Denzel Danes tipped as the potential father.
One fan directly questioned the plot, writing: "Who is Ethan? That better not be Amy’s baby." Another echoed the sentiment, asking: "Is baby Ethan Amy & Denzel's?!????" while a third simply posted: "Who's baby's that? Amy's?"
Other Potential Parents in the Frame
Other possibilities have not been ruled out by the eagle-eyed audience. Some wondered if Ethan could be the child of Jack's other daughter, Penny Branning, potentially amid spoilers hinting at a romance with Vinny Panesar. This would make Vinny and Penny the baby's parents.
Jack's son, Ricky Branning, is considered a less likely candidate, given he already has a young child and is very young himself. The episode also showed Jack in a troubled state, drinking heavily after his wife Denise Fox left, before being found by his niece Lauren. Lauren urged him to focus on moving forward for little Ethan's sake.
Linked Mystery of the Pregnant Woman
The speculation around Ethan comes as fans also think they have identified another future storyline. In a separate 2027 scene, Max Branning was seen waking up next to an unidentified, pregnant woman. After a recent episode where Chelsea Fox suggested she found Max attractive, many viewers are now convinced she is the mystery mother-to-be in his bed.
With so many questions left unanswered, Walford's future promises major revelations. EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
