EastEnders fans 'work out' mother of flashforward baby as soap sets up new romance

Mystery solved?
Joel Harley
By Joel Harley

EastEnders fans think that they’ve worked out who’s the mother of the baby in Max Branning’s flashforward episode. No, not the one residing in his pregnant bedmate’s belly – the one that Jack was looking after when Lauren paid a visit on New Year’s Day.

Named Ethan, the baby was just one of many mysteries which came to the fore as the soap shared a glimpse of Max’s future in 2027. Now two weeks into the New Year, fans think one clue has already emerged as to Ethan’s identity.

Is one mystery about to be solved?

Lauren talks to Jack with baby Ethan in the foreground
Who’s the mommy? (Credit: BBC)

EastEnders fans convinced Penny is mother of flashforward baby

In last night’s episode (airing Tuesday, January 13), sparks began to fly between Vinny and Penny. We already know that they hooked up on New Year’s Eve, and it’s clear that they still have feelings for each other.

So could baby Ethan be Jack’s niece?

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Read all the latest spoilers

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“Oh that’s where the baby Jack was looking after comes from,” wrote one fan on Facebook.

“Ethan’s parents,” agreed another.

“Excited to see how Vinny and Penny’s relationship develops – There’s a high possibility that “Ethan” from the Flashforward could be Vinny and Penny’s. So this pair are ones we really need to watch out for in the coming weeks,” said a third, via X.

“What if Jack has baby Ethan because Penny is in prison for her part in whatever shenanigans Max is in? Penny’s morals are flexible and a baby born in prison would be peak,” another suggested.

Could Vinny and Penny’s romance be paving the way for Max’s flashforward? And, if so, why are Penny and Vinny no longer in the picture?

Vinny looks shocked in EastEnders
Gina spotted fireworks between Vinny and Penny (Credit: BBC)

Vinny and Penny share a date in spoilers

As the soap continues tonight (Wednesday, January 14), Gina suggests that Penny explore her tentative romance with Vinny. And, on tomorrow’s episode, the pair head out on a date to Container Junction.

Is love in the air between Vinny and Penny? And, if so, what does this mean for their future?

Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns.