Walford Gazette #13

All the latest updates and news down Walford way!

EDITORIAL

Tuesday 24th March 2026

Back in January, the flashforward gave us lots to ponder: baby Ethan, Oscar dating a Trueman – not to mention the small matter of the Branning lot being held at gunpoint! But there was also something else we noticed… During a scene in the Queen Vic, Nicola Mitchell and George Knight were talking about recent events – but there was no sign of their baby, despite Nicola being pregnant in the present…

Starting next week, however, it seems we may be getting some answers as a sudden pain causes Nicola to rush to A and E, confessing that it’s been some time since she has felt the little one move. There’s relief when the tests show the baby is fine, but the mum-to-be is not doing so great. EastEnders have confirmed that Nicola’s pregnancy will result in a premature birth, leading to a critical time for the latest tot to hit the Square. Will Nicola and her baby girl come through unscathed? And will this medical drama bring her and co-parent George closer together?

EastEnders producer Ben Wadey described the newest issue-based storyline in a press release.

“This storyline follows Nicola and George as they navigate the challenges and shared concerns of neonatal care with their premature baby, and the impact it has on them and their families.”

Opening up on assisting the soap, Annelies Hopkins, information and support manager at Bliss, said they hoped the storyline would shed light on what it means to have a baby prematurely.

She said: “As the UK’s leading charity representing babies born premature or sick, and their families, we were grateful to be consulted on this important EastEnders storyline, which shines a light on the unexpected, distressing and often traumatic experience of having a baby in neonatal care.”

**Nicola** threatens **Penny** before she collapses!

That’s not Nicola’s only baby surprise this week, though. After a visit to her doctor for a check up, Penny Branning discovers that she may be further along than she thought: so much so, in fact, that there’s now a possibility that the baby is Harry Mitchell‘s and not Vinny Panesar‘s child! Talk about delicate!

As Penny turns to her cousins Lauren and Oscar for support, Nicola also seems to have a good head for figures and dates… Lucky for Penny, Nicola has more important things to worry about herself, but surely it’s only a matter of time before Harry questions Penny…

Also next week, Zack confesses his money problems and needs somewhere to stay! But when Vicki and Ross decide to help him, is it really a good idea to have Vicki and Zack under the same roof, given their history? And finally, Zoe and Josh struggle, as the newcomer adjusts to life on Albert Square…

Until next time…

The Curator

Week Commencing: 30th March – 2nd April 2026

Directed by: Marianna Dean

Monday 30th March 2026
Written by: Rob Gittins

Penny attends her first baby scan alone, as Vinny is meeting with a mysterious investor who could back Penny’s new shop. During the scan, Penny is surprised to learn that the pregnancy is further along than she thought, but she chooses not to share this news with Vinny when he eventually arrives.

Later, Penny confides in Lauren and Oscar that if the baby was conceived before New Year, then the child cannot be Vinny’s and may be Harry’s.

Meanwhile, Nicola confides in Harry and Gina about how she hasn’t felt the baby move for a while. They accompany her to the hospital, where tests confirm that the baby is fine.

Elsewhere, Josh distances himself from Zoe in favour of spending time with Patrick.

Also today, Patrick is asked to record a video statement for Jasmine’s trial.

Tuesday 31st March 2026
Written by: Rob Gittins

Penny tells Lauren and Oscar that she slept with Harry the day he entered detox, but she believes the scan results must be incorrect.

Harry confides in Nicola about how he slept with Penny once last year. Nicola becomes suspicious over Penny’s recent behaviour, so orders her to arrange a DNA test otherwise she’ll tell Vinny and Harry everything.

Meanwhile, Mark questions whether something is still going on between Vicki and Zack.

Later, Zack agrees to move in with Vicki and Ross following his money worries. Will Ross be curious when he spots a tense moment between Zack and Vicki?

Wednesday 1st April 2026
Written by: Katie Douglas

Nicola orders Penny to arrange the DNA test today. Penny seeks advice from Lauren and Oscar, then goes to speak with Nicola again. Just as Penny is leaving, Nicola experiences sudden pains.

Nicola insists on going home to rest rather than getting checked out at the hospital again. However, as George’s launch of the Knight Fusion business gets under way, Nicola experiences contractions.

Meanwhile, Elaine boasts to Ian after another victory for her political campaign. This sparks a tussle between the two rivals – will it get out of hand?

Elsewhere, the CPS repeats its request for Patrick to give a video statement.

Also today, Bea and Billy continue to clash.

Thursday 2nd April 2026
Written by: Katie Douglas

Harry questions Nicola’s no-show at the Knight Fusion launch, so he heads home and finds her on the floor. Nicola is rushed to hospital, where there are complications. She undergoes an emergency caesarean and gives birth to a baby girl.

Nicola is devastated when she’s forced to remain isolated from the baby due to flu symptoms and bleeding. George shares a tender moment with his daughter, who’s in an incubator in the NICU.

Meanwhile, Josh considers visiting Jasmine.

Elsewhere, Billy confronts Bea about her spending, but her response leaves him feeling foolish.