Here’s a 700-word article based on the EastEnders storyline about Lauren Branning’s baby and the surprising fan reactions:

EastEnders Fans in Disbelief at the Name of Lauren’s Baby: “Stop It!”

In a recent bombshell episode of EastEnders, Lauren Branning welcomed a baby boy into the world — but it wasn’t the birth that sent fans into a frenzy. It was the name. When Lauren introduced her newborn as Jimmy Beale, viewers were quick to take to social media, expressing everything from surprise to confusion and even outrage. One fan simply tweeted, “Stop it! Jimmy Beale? Are you serious?”

A Name Steeped in History

The name “Jimmy” is likely a heartfelt tribute to Lauren’s late grandfather, Jim Branning, a beloved figure in EastEnders lore. Jim, played by the late John Bardon, was known for his old-school East End charm and deeply complicated relationships with his children and grandchildren. Naming Lauren’s child after him might have seemed like a touching moment to longtime viewers, but not everyone saw it that way.

To add to the drama, Lauren gave the baby the last name “Beale,” after her on-again, off-again partner Peter Beale, the presumed father. But the audience’s memory is sharp, and fans were quick to point out that Lauren had a fling earlier in the year with Zack Hudson, raising questions about the baby’s paternity.

Fans React: Confusion and Criticism

Social media quickly erupted after the reveal. Comments ranged from sarcastic jabs to genuine confusion:

• “Jimmy Beale? Sounds like a used car salesman from Essex, not a baby!”
• “We were expecting something classic or maybe a nod to Lou Beale or Pauline. Jimmy just feels… off.”
• “Wait… Beale? Are we 100% sure Peter’s the dad? Because that affair with Zack wasn’t that long ago.”

It’s not just the first name drawing attention. Many fans are struggling to accept the surname “Beale,” given the stormy and unstable nature of Lauren’s relationship with Peter. Although they are technically back together, Peter’s rocky past and Lauren’s impulsive behavior leave many wondering if the name was chosen out of convenience or pressure — not certainty.

Paternity Drama Looming?

The biggest elephant in the room remains the baby’s father. While Lauren insists Peter is the father, sharp-eyed viewers and longtime fans aren’t convinced. The timeline is murky at best, and Zack’s reappearance in the Square shortly before Lauren’s labor has only intensified speculation.

EastEnders has a reputation for paternity bombshells, and this storyline has all the makings of another classic reveal: a secret DNA test, a family meltdown, and the eventual collapse of relationships. If Zack turns out to be the father, it could ignite a new