EastEnders spoilers follow.
EastEnders’ Penny Branning’s world is turned upside-down next week, as she discovers that she’s pregnant! But as she and Vinny Panesar come to terms with this life-changing news, is she ready to be a mum?
“Penny has a huge decision to make – but the people around her aren’t making it easy,” warns our Walford insider. “First up, her meddling dad Jack upsets her by casting doubt over whether she’s cut out for motherhood.
“Then her gobby cousin Oscar makes things even worse, telling Penny’s new beau Vinny without considering whether she wants to involve him!”
The story begins when the Branning family gathers for a rowdy Sunday lunch and Jack discovers an unopened pregnancy test. He teams up with Denise to figure out who it belongs to – but when they question bewildered dinner guest Lily, it causes chaos.
BBC
BBC
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Putting a stop to the awkward interrogation, Penny announces that the test is hers. She lies that the result was negative but is mortified when Jack is far too outspoken in voicing his relief…
“Jack hadn’t considered for a moment that the test could belong to Penny,” says our source. “Irritated by his thoughtless reactions and how he seems to see her differently to the other ladies present, Penny soon reveals that the result was in fact positive. She gives Jack a lot to think about over the way he’s treating her…”
Fortunately, not all the Brannings are causing problems. Penny reaches out to the kind-hearted Lauren about her dilemma, speaking candidly about the potential challenges she’d face as a young mum who has a disability.
Jack also realises that he’s mishandled the situation and apologises for his clumsy reactions, but he soon offends his daughter all over again.
BBC
BBC
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Meanwhile, proving that tactless moments run in the family, Oscar accidentally tells Vinny about Penny’s pregnancy test! Vinny rushes over to see his girlfriend, desperate for answers over what’s going on.
“Penny agrees that Vinny can join her when she sees the doctor,” confirms our insider. “The GP explains what the couple can expect if Penny keeps the baby, including extra support options, but then causes more upset by appearing to sideline her in the conversation.”
Determined to remind everyone of her independence, what will Penny decide to do?
EastEnders airs on Mondays – Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.
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