Jacqueline Jossa on 'strange connection' during devastating EastEnders storyline
Jacqueline Jossa has revealed all about the tough times to come for her character Lauren Branning and her partner Peter Beale, and her "strange" connection with Linda Carter.
The BBC soap recently revealed they were working with advice from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) on an upcoming storyline where Lauren and Peter's find out their newborn son Jimmy is severely sight impaired.
EastEnders spoilers reveal that in coming episodes, an "overwhelmed" Lauren grows convinced something isn't right with her baby son Jimmy. Elsewhere, her family also grow concerned when her son Louie makes a comment about seeing her taking some pills, it sparks concern that she's relapsed after her painkiller addiction.
Lauren then takes Jimmy to the hospital after noticing something wrong with his eyes and when a consultant checks the newborn over, she tells a shocked Lauren and Peter that their son is severely sight impaired.
Speaking on how her character feels after the diagnosis, Jacqueline said: "I think it's a real mix of emotions. The unknown is a scary place to be, and there is an element of knowing, that softens Lauren's anxiety. She finally feels like she wasn't going crazy, because everyone made her feel that way.
"The reassurance of 'you were right' helps her process. Lauren knows that there is a new journey they are about to embark on and pretty quickly Lauren jumps in headfirst into the new journey and sort of takes it in her stride."
Although Jac said it "wasn't going to be an easy journey" for Lauren, she said that her motherly love overcomes the guilt she feels. "She is determined to be there for Jimmy every step of the way."
Elsewhere, at the start of next week, Lauren receives an "important" pep talk from Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) who reassures Lauren after having a similar journey with addiction - as Jacqueline called the connection "strange in a sense."
Speaking on the budding relationship, she said: "They have both shown each other the ugly side of themselves, and on the Square, Linda is a little bit of a mother figure for Lauren in the sense that she can look up to her, and confide in her. It's almost strange in a sense, but it's a really beautiful relationship and I'm glad that it's her that comes to Lauren's rescue.
"It's the first time all week that she feels heard, and that she feels seen. It's the first time Lauren is being agreed with."
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