EastEnders fans have been left squirming with discomfort after a sudden realisation that Lauren Branning had a relationship with a family member.
The character, (Jacqueline Jossa), made her debut in 2006 and quickly became a central figure in some of the show's most explosive plots. Over the years, Lauren has experienced her fair share of turmoil, from battling alcoholism to revealing her father Max (portrayed by Jake Wood) and Stacey Slater's (played by Lacey Turner) illicit Christmas Day romance.
Lauren's life in Walford is currently as tumultuous as ever, especially with the recent bombshell regarding her son Louie. Additionally, she's caught the attention of the notorious charmer Junior Knight, enacted by Micah Balfour.
Moreover, Lauren's romantic escapades in Walford have been numerous, including a turbulent relationship with the father of her child, Peter Beale (Thomas Law). However, it was her controversial dalliance with her first cousin Joey Branning (David Witts) in 2013 that has reignited conversations among fans.
Their on-screen romance caused a stir among both their family and viewers, ultimately ending due to Lauren's struggles with addiction. A recent Reddit thread saw fans expressing their astonishment upon recalling the scandalous relationship, with one user commenting: "One thing about eastendersssss, everybody's slept with everybody! ", reports the Daily Star.
An EastEnders fan wrote: "Eastenders enjoy's messy cheating storylines. Trying to decide which is worse: Lauren sleeping with her cousin, Lauren sleeping with her best friend's boyfriend or Lauren's potential storyline with junior (hopefully not! )".
Another commented in response: "definitely her cousin, i think i blocked that out because i don't remember. too traumatised."
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A third agreed and scribed: "Haha same." Moreover, on a different platform, a viewer expressed distaste by saying: "I'm sorry but did anyone actually ship Lauren s******g her cousin Joey. Her FIRST BLOOD COUSIN? ".
Similarly, another fan conveyed their discomfort: "Ugh. I'm about to start the Lauren and Joey storyline in EastEnders. It makes me feel sick. And from what I remember, everyone was okay with it? What a strange time."
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
