EastEnders fans baffled as soap makes last-minute name change
EastEnders viewers noticed that the soap made a huge change(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Sharp-eyed EastEnders viewers were left absolutely livid at the close of last night’s episode after spotting a massive alteration to one legendary character.
Yesterday evening, audiences watched in disbelief as Max Branning (Jake Wood) made his dramatic comeback at the conclusion of his daughter Lauren Branning’s nuptials to Peter Beale.
EastEnders fans were left fuming when they saw Lauren Branning’s name change(Image: BBC/Eastenders)
Lauren then made her way to the Vic for the celebrations, and remarkably, for once in soap opera history, the wedding proceeded without a hitch – until it didn’t, reports the Mirror.
Just as Lauren prepared to throw her bouquet towards Walford’s single ladies, the Square received the shock of their lives when Max Branning strolled in and scooped it up from the ground.
“Must be my lucky day,” he declared. Both residents and viewers were left stunned as the soap concluded with a spectacular cliffhanger.
Lauren’s surname changed to Beale after she married Peter(Image: BBC)
Yet those who remained until the credits rolled spotted one significant modification – following her marriage to Peter, Lauren’s surname had switched from Branning to Beale, leaving certain fans thoroughly displeased.
Venting on X, formerly Twitter, one frustrated viewer wrote: “rah what the f**k is this it better be temporary!” whilst another complained: “I hate that soaps always insist on this. In 2025 it really isn’t that common but soaps always do it!
“I’m really not liking this – Lauren’s character is being brought down by Peter. The couple are so unsuited in my honest opinion,” voiced a third viewer, while another vented: “Could have least made her a Branning-Beale!”.
Lauren and Peter tied the knot in a surprise wedding(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)
Lauren wasn’t the only one to adopt the Beale surname last night. Prior to the nuptials, Kathy announced she had officially reverted to her maiden name, Beale, from Cotton.
Tonight, the Square will be rocked by Max’s unexpected return, and drama is guaranteed. Spoilers suggest that Kat attempts to steer Max clear of Zoe when he catches them in conversation.
However, the Square’s residents remain oblivious to the pair’s relationship – will the truth come out? Max will also cross paths with Stacey Slater again, but what will transpire and will she depart for Brazil?