'EastEnders': Lauren Branning And Steven Beale Twist Leaves Viewers Stunned

What about poor Peter?!

'EastEnders' fans were left stunned on Monday (30 May) night, when it was revealed returnee Lauren Branning was in a relationship with Steven Beale.

Jacqueline Jossa's character left the BBC soap last year, departing for New Zealand with Peter Beale, after they learned they were expecting a baby together.

However, it seems during her time away from Albert Square, Lauren has left Peter for his half-brother, who the pair had been staying with in New Zealand.

Lauren Branning and Steven Beale are now a couple
Lauren Branning and Steven Beale are now a couple
BBC

A scene that aired during the latest episode saw the pair sharing a kiss, as they discussed their relationship.

The revelation led many viewers to take to Twitter to share their surprise at the shock storyline, with many in disbelief that Lauren had cheated on Peter.

Why did Lauren and Steven just kiss????? What happened to Peter??? He was way hotter😭

— Britt (@_brittony) May 30, 2016

What's wrong with Lauren? Peter's one of the flipping X-Men and she's still not satisfied. #EastEnders

— David Brown (@MrDavidEBrown) May 30, 2016

Wait, are you telling me Lauren gave up THIS??! (not that I'm shallow)🙄❤️ #EastEnders @bbceastenders @jacquelineMjos pic.twitter.com/IkuGIes9EV

— Debs @E20Launderette (@E20Launderette) May 30, 2016

Having @aaronsidwell back has given a new dimension. Wasn't expecting that with Lauren though! @jacquelineMjos #EastEnders

— Jak (@jkirkmanmusic) May 30, 2016

what the hell was Lauren thinking, Steven over Peter? errr #EastEnders

— j lea (@jadetrowbridge) May 30, 2016

Wtf does this mean for Peter, gets dumped then Lauren goes for his half-brother😂#EastEnders

— Levi Harvey (@2klevi) May 30, 2016

Just caught up with #EastEnders and what the hell what the hell 😂😂 Steven and Lauren! Plot twist so happy @jacquelineMjos is back

— Sanah (@SanahMendes) May 30, 2016

Fans were especially surprised at the revelation, given that when Steven - played by Aaron Sidwell - was last in Walford, he was confused about his sexuality, making a pass at Christian Cooke after a failed relationship with Stacey Slater.

Speculation has also begun that his sexuality is a topic that could be revisited, after he and gay character Johnny Carter shared a moment in The Vic.

So Steven is with Lauren but little hint of a spark between him and Johnny ?!?! #EastEnders

— Jordan Fisher (@jorfisa7x) May 30, 2016

steven & lauren??? or steven & johnny??? #stauren #stohnny lol #eastenders #wotttttt

— claire (@littleblonde87) May 30, 2016

But I just did my research and Steven was supposed to be gay? Now has he decide he isn't gay or does Lauren just not know??? #Eastenders

— Samantha (@4evaalonewicats) May 30, 2016

Wait. I'm confused. Isn't Lauren with Peter? And isn't Steven Beale gay? #EastEnders

— Deano Boroczky (@DeanomusicUK) May 30, 2016

I really hope theyre making Steven and Johnny an item at some point. I would love to see love triangle between them and Lauren 😂 #EastEnders

— Elli Elisabeth (@brightelisabeth) May 30, 2016

While Lauren and Steven have both returned to Walford in the wake of Bobby Beale's attack on Jane and his admission he killed sister Lucy, Peter failed to reappear, as actor Ben Hardy is now a Hollywood star, appearing in the new 'X Men' film, 'Apocalypse'.

Ben Hardy appears in the new film, 'X Men: Apocalypse'
Ben Hardy appears in the new film, 'X Men: Apocalypse'
Doug Peters/Doug Peters

Aaron previously teased his return to the soap, telling viewers to there would be some surprises in store from his character.

Lauren has seemingly left Steven's half-brother, Peter
Lauren has seemingly left Steven's half-brother, Peter
BBC

Steven was introduced as the son of Ian and Cindy when he was born in 1989, but it was later revealed his real father was Simon Wicks, who Cindy had been having an affair with.

Aaron took over the role of Steven for a year's stint in 2007, which saw the character attempt to suffocate grandmother Pat Butcher, kidnap Ian and shoot stepmum Jane, leaving her unable to have children of her own.

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