EastEnders aired a touching tribute to Mick Carter this week as Lee Carter named his newborn son Michael, after Nancy gave birth to a healthy baby boy. The emotional scenes aired during Thursday's episode (November 12) of the BBC soap.
Nancy (Maddy Hill) returned to Albert Square last month and revealed she was pregnant, leaving her mother Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) stunned. In an unexpected twist, Nancy disclosed she was acting as a surrogate for her brother Lee Carter (Danny Hatchard) and his girlfriend Jess (Emma Lau) following several miscarriages. However, the couple had since separated as Lee battles alcohol dependency, causing disruption around the Square, including interrupting an antenatal class attended by Nancy.
Mick Carter's death revealed
Lee's drinking worsened this week after Linda received the devastating news that her husband Mick Carter (Danny Dyer) had recently passed away, having previously been presumed drowned at sea almost four years ago. Searching for answers, Linda reconnected with love rival Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks), who revealed that Mick had died just two weeks ago after suffering a heart attack at his home in North London.
Linda and her new partner Max Branning (Jake Wood) were left shaken to discover Janine had arranged a funeral, and wished to look inside the coffin to confirm Mick's death. However, she found herself unable to go through with it, and ultimately retreated to Max's car, asking him to do so in her place.
Janine eventually confessed that she had fabricated the death because Lee had revoked the initial death certificate, meaning she would be forced to repay the life insurance payout she had originally received. She then persuaded Max not to contact the police, and to use Mick's supposed 'demise' as an opportunity to escape his shadow and build a new life with Linda, reports the Daily Star.
Lee's emotional confession
During Thursday's episode, Lee's drinking spiralled out of control as he grieved the loss of his father. While at The Prince Albert, he lashed out at his mother for derailing his life during her own battle with alcohol addiction, before the two shared a touching and heartfelt embrace.
Later at Peacock Palace, Max was on the verge of revealing something to Linda when Lee received a notification that Nancy had gone into labour, and they rushed to the hospital. Lee held his son for the very first time and revealed the newborn's name in a touching tribute to his late father. "His name is Michael, Michael Carter. Me and Jess decided ages ago", he said proudly as Linda appeared visibly moved.
Proud grandmother Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe) responded by saying, "Good choice", as an emotional Nancy agreed: "It suits him". However, moments later, Lee became overwhelmed and handed the child to Zack Hudson (James Farrar), breaking down in tears.
In the hallway, Lee confessed to his mother that he was an alcoholic, and in a life-changing decision he finally asked for help. Linda agreed to stand by Lee as the pair shared a heartfelt moment together.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer.
