EastEnders has confirmed that Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) will take center stage in an emotional and topical new storyline later this month — one that sees her become the victim of a devastating online scam.

The powerful plot will coincide with the BBC’s Scam Safe Week 2025, a cross-network initiative aimed at raising awareness around fraud and how it preys on people’s vulnerabilities.

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Lauren’s Desperate Search for Hope

In scenes airing the week beginning Monday, November 24, Lauren’s story takes a heartbreaking turn as she desperately searches for a medical breakthrough to help her young son, Jimmy.

Viewers will remember that Lauren and husband Peter Beale recently received the devastating diagnosis that Jimmy suffers from optic nerve and chorioretinal coloboma, leaving him with severely impaired eyesight.

Determined to help him see, Lauren throws herself into research and stumbles upon what appears to be an experimental treatment plan — one that promises miraculous results. But as hope quickly replaces caution, Lauren finds herself walking straight into a scam.

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A Cruel Betrayal of Trust

According to early teasers, Lauren becomes emotionally invested in the fake treatment, believing she’s found a lifeline for Jimmy’s future. Unbeknownst to her, the people behind it are professional scammers exploiting her love and desperation for financial gain.

When the truth dawns, Lauren will be left heartbroken — and broke. The scenes promise to show not just the financial cost, but the emotional devastation that follows when a parent’s hope is weaponized against them.

BBC Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips said:

“Our 2025 Scam Safe Week will equip people with the knowledge and confidence they need to protect themselves — and drive a vital national conversation. With our unparalleled access and expertise, we’re proud to stand with communities across the UK in the fight against fraud.”

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When the Episodes Air

The scam storyline begins to unfold across the week of November 24–27, alongside other dramatic developments across Walford:

• Monday, November 24 – 7.30pm
  Cindy searches for answers as Lauren’s hopes are raised — but is all as it seems?

• Tuesday, November 25 – 7.30pm
  Oscar makes a shocking discovery, tensions rise in the Slater family, and Anna makes Freddie an unexpected offer.

• Wednesday, November 26 – 7.30pm
  Lauren wrestles with a difficult decision while Anthony supports Zoe and Ian’s feud with Elaine grows fiercer.

• Thursday, November 27 – 7.30pm
  The “Kimfluencer” slips up with consequences for Elaine, Anthony looks to the future, and a horrified local finally uncovers the truth.

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A Vital and Emotional Storyline

Lauren’s upcoming ordeal is expected to be one of EastEnders’ most poignant storylines this year, tackling the rising issue of online fraud and how easily it can entangle those in emotional distress.

For fans, the storyline will also offer a deeper look into Lauren’s resilience — and could be one of Jacqueline Jossa’s most powerful performances since returning to the Square.

As one fan wrote on social media:

“Lauren’s story is going to hit hard. Scams like this happen every day — it’s amazing EastEnders is shining a light on it.”