EastEnders reveals Nancy birth chaos amid dramatic week for the Carters

EastEnders’ Nancy Carter goes into labour earlier than expected next week, as the drama for the entire family takes another surprising turn.

When Nancy returned to Walford last month, Linda was shocked to discover that her daughter was heavily pregnant. But there was another twist ahead, when Lee arrived and Nancy revealed she was the surrogate for her brother’s baby!

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Things have been tricky, however, with Lee’s excessive drinking leaving him estranged from his partner Jess and leaving Nancy unsure about where she stands legally in terms of parental rights.

Next week, there is huge drama for the Carters, as Linda is blindsided by a mysterious phone call, and is forced to go to returning villain Janine for answers.

What she hears is difficult for Linda to take, and after a heart-to-heart with partner Max, the pair head to see Janine again – where Max makes a decision that may come back to haunt him.

Linda tells Lee, Nancy and Johnny the truth about what she’s discovered, and later has an emotional chat with Nancy, who is reflecting on this revelation.

But as Zack turns up to check on her, Nancy is then caught by surprise when her waters break, and her priorities are forced to completely change.

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Despite planning this moment for months, Nancy finds herself without the two most important people as she is rushed to the maternity department. Neither father-to-be Lee, nor their mum Linda, are by her side as Nancy faces giving birth without them.

"Nancy never envisioned this when she agreed to be Lee and Jess’ surrogate, and now she’s faced with a very different set of circumstances!" says our Walford insider.

"Lee is a complete mess, and Linda’s head is all over the place, so it’s fallen to Elaine, Johnny and Zack to be there for her."

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As the family desperately ring Linda and Lee to get them to the hospital in time, mother and son are locked in an intense conversation. Intoxicated Lee is pouring his heart out over his fears about fatherhood, and that he’ll fail his child because he’s in such a bad state.

For Linda, it’s heartbreaking because she knows that Lee could be an amazing dad if he can get his life back on track. Will Lee find the strength to overcome his demons as Nancy brings his child into the world?

Alcohol Change UK offers information, advice and support with their questions about drinking and the problems that can sometimes be caused by alcohol. For more information, visit Alcohol Change UK's website.

Drinkline also offers free, confidential advice to anyone who is concerned about their own or someone else's drinking on 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm).

Readers can also contact Drinkaware.

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.