EastEnders veteran Lauren Branning’s biological father ‘exposed’ and it’s not Max

EastEnders viewers are predicting another DNA bombshell amid the Branning family

It’s been 20 years since Lauren Branning moved to Walford, and some eastenders Fans think his whole life has been a lie.

In June 2006, Max Branning (Jake Wood) appears in Walford to reunite with his estranged father, Jim Branning (John Bardon), and son. Bradley (Charlie Clements).

Only a month later, His wife Tanya (Jo Joyner) arrived With their two daughters, Lauren (then played by Madeline Duggan) and Abi Branning (Lorna Fitzgerald), and the family settled into life Albert Square.

Over the years, Max and Tanya’s chaotic relationship has been plagued with affairs and lies, with Lauren exposing her father’s infidelity with Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) in an epic festive episode in 2007.

In 2008, after supporting the family following Max’s affair with Stacey, Tanya also betrays Max by starting a relationship with his brother, Jack (Scott Maslen).

After a whirlwind romance, Max is now engaged to Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins), although the bride-to-be is unaware that he recently slept with Priya Nadra Hart (Sophie Khan Levy).

There’s plenty more drama to come from the Branning family, as a flash-forward episode details the exciting events of New Year’s Day 2027. Viewers watched Max prepare to marry an unknown bride, while also being with another pregnant woman.

Max was arrested by armed police for murder, a shock that left his daughter Lauren devastated, although fans will have to wait and see what exactly Max is up to.

Yet some EastEnders viewers are predicting another twist for the famous clan – that Jack Branning will be revealed as Lauren’s biological father instead of Max.

Taking to Reddit, one fan explained: “Conspiracy theory… Lauren Branning. I really think Lauren is Jack’s daughter and not Max’s.

“I guess it won’t be known for a few years. Come to think of it…except for Lauren, every one of Max’s children has light hair, either blonde or ginger.”

Another agreed: “It would be interesting but it would require some serious backlash considering the major pulver it was when Jack and Tanya fell for each other during her divorce with Max.”

One viewer commented, “Now that you point it out, I definitely think the casting was intentional to further this.”

Another said: “I really think Jack treats Lauren more like a daughter than Penny. It would be a great twist, but I can’t see it happening sadly”, while one confirmed: “Oh, this is so good…”

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer