EastEnders spoilers follow from Thursday's episode (10 July), which is available to watch early now on BBC iPlayer but hasn't yet aired on BBC One.
EastEnders has revealed the emotional reason for Peter Beale and Lauren Branning's young boys going missing in a shock cliffhanger.
Show bosses had previously announced a worrying moment ahead for Peter and Lauren, as Louie and baby Jimmy both disappear amid rising family tensions.
The exact reasons for Louie and Jimmy going AWOL had been kept quiet, but all becomes clear in Thursday's episode – which is streaming early on BBC iPlayer a day in advance.
As a new day begins in Walford, Peter is refusing to speak to Lauren after hearing that she shared a kiss with Zack Hudson a few weeks ago.
Related: EastEnders confirms Harry's desperate plan to protect Kojo in early iPlayer release
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The troubled couple must put their differences to one side when they head to the hospital together to receive the results of Jimmy's recent gene tests.
Doctors confirm that Jimmy's blindness has been caused by a genetic mutation, which is not inherited or caused by opioid use.
This finally rules out the theory that Lauren could have inadvertently been responsible with her dependence on drugs when she was pregnant.
Peter apologises for accusing Lauren, but they remain a long way off from resolving the other issues in their rocky relationship.
Related: 10 huge EastEnders spoilers for next week
With Peter still livid over Lauren's recent betrayal, he confronts Zack back on the Square and a fight breaks out between the two men. Peter is no match for Zack and ends up being humiliated all over again.
Peter and Lauren continue their own tensions back at home, exchanging some harsh words during another blazing row.
Louie overhears the bust-up and tries to reassure baby Jimmy, gently covering his ears and telling him: "It's okay. Parents argue. It's just what they do."
Related: EastEnders' Callum and Johnny to face Phil's fury as they're caught out
Shortly afterwards, Peter and Lauren discover that both boys are gone and the back door has been left open.
It's clear that Louie has taken Jimmy off somewhere to protect him from the nasty row – but could they now be in danger? And could Peter and Lauren ever forgive themselves if something terrible happened?
Spoilers for the next episode have revealed that Peter and Lauren carry out a frantic search for their boys…
EastEnders fans can see these scenes now on BBC iPlayer, or tomorrow at 7pm on BBC One.
More EastEnders news –
- EastEnders' Callum and Johnny to face Phil's fury as they're caught out
- EastEnders reveals dramatic return for Oscar Branning in 70 new spoiler pictures
- EastEnders lines up Nigel exit story after emotional Julie reunion
- EastEnders confirms mysterious twist in Oscar Branning’s Walford return
- EastEnders star explains Harry’s unlikely friendship ahead of new story
- EastEnders star Bobby Brazier breaks silence on bombshell exit news
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.
Read more EastEnders spoilers on our dedicated homepage
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