Nancy Carter has given birth to a baby boy in EastEnders, and Lee Carter has named his son Michael as a tribute to his late father, Mick Carter. The birth took place in Thursday's episode of the BBC soap, with Lee revealing the name shortly after cradling his son for the first time.
Nancy (Maddy Hill) returned to Albert Square last month and revealed she was expecting a baby, leaving her mother, Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), in shock. In a twist, Nancy disclosed she was acting as a surrogate for her brother Lee (Danny Hatchard) and his girlfriend Jess (Emma Lau) following multiple miscarriages. However, the couple had since split up as Lee struggles with alcohol abuse, and he caused chaos around the Square, including disrupting an antenatal class with Nancy.
Lee's Drinking Spirals After Mick's Death
Lee's drinking intensified this week after Linda was told that her husband, Mick Carter (Danny Dyer), had recently died, after she had thought he drowned at sea almost four years ago. Seeking answers, Linda reunited with love rival Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks), who explained that Mick had died just two weeks ago, having suffered a heart attack at his home in North London.
Linda and her new partner, Max Branning (Jake Wood), were shocked to find Janine holding a funeral and wanted to look in the coffin to confirm Mick was dead. However, Linda could not go through with it and eventually headed to Max's car and asked him to look instead. Janine later came clean and said she had fabricated the death because Lee had revoked the initial death certificate, and she would have to return the life insurance payout she had received. She then convinced Max not to go to the police and to use Mick's 'demise' as a way to step out of his shadow and start a new family life with Linda.
Lee Names Baby Michael
During Thursday's episode (November 12), Lee's drinking got out of control as he mourned the death of his father. While at The Prince Albert, he confronted his mum about ruining his life during her own alcohol addiction before the pair shared a heartwarming embrace. Later at Peacock Palace, Max was about to explain something to Linda when Lee received a notification that Nancy was giving birth, and they raced off to the hospital.
Lee cradled his son for the first time and confirmed the newborn's name in a tribute to his dad. "His name is Michael, Michael Carter. Me and Jess decided ages ago," he said proudly as Linda looked visibly moved. Proud nan Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe) reacted by saying: "Good choice," as an emotional Nancy agreed: "It suits him."
However, just seconds later, Lee became overwhelmed and passed the child to Zack Hudson (James Farrar), and broke down in tears. In the corridor, he admitted to his mum that he had a problem with booze and needed her help. Linda agreed to help Lee as they both shared an emotional moment.
Jess Returns With an Ultimatum
Next week, Jess will return to Walford to meet her new son, but she soon delivers Lee an ultimatum. EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer.
