Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) has been caught out in EastEnders as her secretive behaviour is sussed by father-in-law Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt). The cheating storyline, heavily hinted at since January, has finally come to a head.
Lauren and Mark's Criminal Enterprise
Mark Fowler Jr (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) had his sights set on Lauren for a long time. Seeing her rise as a car-selling queen pin, he viewed her as a means to funnel dodgy motors through her books and bag some cash. Initially balking at his plan, the hefty bags of notes from stolen cars quickly seduced her. With the desire to support her family weighing heavily, she agreed to form a partnership with Mark, creating a cheeky little criminal enterprise. The main problem, besides the threat of major jail time, has been the sexual tension crackling between them non-stop.
Ravi's Seed of Doubt
Last week saw the blended Beale/Branning clan consumed with worry over patriarch Ian's impending court date for the car accident that saw him hit Jordan Fox (Jahsaiah Williams). Meanwhile, Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) discovered the scheme and placed a seedling of doubt into Mark's head regarding Lauren's loyalty, questioning his feelings for her. Though Mark denied having feelings outside their business agreement, the seed grew into an enormous shrub, leading him to set up a test to see if Lauren would be there for him. Lauren raced to find Mark, but upon learning he was merely testing her, she reacted with sheer fury, branding him a 'git' before speeding away.
Passion Ignites
Next week, Walford's most careless gangster doesn't put dodgy plates on his stolen cars. Heading off to sell one, he attracts police attention. As Lauren heads to help, the passion between them sizzles, causing her to flee. However, she's conflicted later when he invites her to the boxing gym to 'talk'. Though she does end up going, the outcome remains undisclosed.
Ian's Suspicion
Later in the week, Lauren lavishes husband Peter Beale (Thomas Law) with affection, catching Ian's attention. When the family heads to Harry's Barn for drinks to celebrate what could be Ian's last night in Walford, a clash with Jordan's mum Chelsea (Zaraah Abrahams) ensues. When Ian retreats, followed by Lauren, he asks her what she's been hiding recently, finally clocking her tea.
