EastEnders Lauren Branning is torn over Mark as Peter makes a promise

Lauren tries to draw a line under what happened with Mark in upcoming EastEnders scenes, just as Peter promises to bring more excitement into their relationship. However, Mark’s preparations to leave Walford make that decision harder to hold onto.

Tensions between Lauren and Peter remain high following the revelation that she knew about Max’s affair. Although she has apologised for keeping the truth from him, their disagreement has since become entangled with Cindy’s discovery of the same secret.

At Harvey’s birthday party, Louie reveals Lauren’s knowledge to Cindy, who exposes her during the celebrations. The incident brings another confrontation after Lauren has already tried to address her silence with Peter privately.

Peter now decides to make an effort in a different direction, promising to be more spontaneous. He wants to give Lauren the excitement she craves, putting his attention towards their relationship while the fallout from the affair continues.

His promise comes with Mark still in Walford, creating an uncomfortable overlap between Peter’s efforts and Lauren’s unresolved feelings. Peter is considering what he can offer her, while she is also facing a conversation about what has happened with someone else.

Lauren tells Mark that what they did can never happen again. It is a firm statement about their future contact, but it arrives as his planned departure gives their time together an approaching end.

Mark has returned to say goodbye before leaving for Florida, disappointing Vicki when he explains that he will not be staying. Lauren initially believes he has come back for her, only to discover that she has misunderstood the reason for his visit.

That difference between her expectation and his intentions matters as he prepares to go. She has sought him out believing the return was about her, and must now face the prospect of him leaving after their latest exchange.

Despite telling Mark there can be no repeat of their actions, Lauren remains torn as his departure approaches. Her words establish a boundary, but her reaction to him going shows that saying it has not settled her feelings.

Meanwhile, Peter’s offer of greater spontaneity remains part of their attempt to move forward together. His determination to bring excitement into the relationship unfolds alongside Lauren’s struggle over whether she is ready to let Mark leave.

Where to watch: Watch EastEnders on BBC One. Episodes are also available on BBC iPlayer.