EastEnders legend’s DNA twist ‘sealed’ after 20 years in Walford
EastEnders fans are convinced that Lauren Branning's entire life has been a lie, with many believing Max isn't her biological father
EastEnders fans are predicting a DNA twist for Lauren Branning (Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
It’s been 20 years since Lauren Branning set foot in Walford, and some EastEnders fans are speculating that her entire existence has been a fabrication.
In June 2006, Max Branning, played by Jake Wood, arrived in Walford to reconnect with his estranged father, Jim Branning, played by John Bardon, and his son, Bradley, portrayed by Charlie Clements.
Just a month later, Max’s wife, Tanya (Jo Joyner), joined him with their two daughters, Lauren, initially played by Madeline Duggan, and Abi Branning (Lorna Fitzgerald), in tow, as the family began their lives on Albert Square.
Throughout the years, Max and Tanya’s tumultuous relationship has been marred by a series of extramarital affairs and deceptions, including Lauren’s explosive revelation of her father’s infidelity with Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) in a memorable 2007 festive episode.
Max and Tanya’s mariage was full of cheating scandals (Image: BBC/Guy Levy)
In 2008, Tanya further betrayed Max by initiating a romance with his brother, Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) after his brother supported the family in the aftermath of Max’s affair with Stacey, reports OK!
After a whirlwind romance, Max is now set to marry Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) despite Cindy being unaware that Max recently had an intimate encounter with Priya Nadra Hart (Sophie Khan Levy).
The Branning family’s turbulent saga is far from over, with a flash-forward episode exposing the shocking events set to unfold on New Year’s Day 2027.
The episode revealed Max gearing up for his wedding to a mysterious bride while simultaneously being involved with another expectant mother.
There is currently some speculation around the true parentage of Lauren Branning(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
As Max was apprehended by armed police on suspicion of soliciting murder, a twist that left Lauren shattered, viewers will have to wait in suspense to uncover the truth behind Max’s mysterious exploits.
However, some EastEnders fans speculate that there might be another surprise twist in store for the iconic family, specifically that Jack Branning could be unveiled as Lauren’s real biological father, rather than Max.
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.”
Is Jack Branning the father of Lauren Branning?(Image: BBC)
A second user concurred: “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 observed: “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”.
A fellow fan 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”, while another exclaimed: “Oh this is goooood…..”
