What will Lauren discover when she investigates Ned in EastEnders?

Lauren Branning could be about to uncover a side of Ned Hawkins that he would rather keep hidden, as EastEnders prepares to explore his past.

Lauren has already found herself caught up in Ned’s manipulation after her affair with Mark was discovered. Ned has used their secret to pressure Mark into doing his bidding, with Ryder suffering the consequences of his demands.

However, Lauren’s attention is now turning towards Ned himself. A cryptic clue from Ryder about Ned’s former career gives her a reason to investigate, potentially revealing that there is more to his behaviour than the family has realised.

Ned has presented himself as someone who can influence events around him, but his willingness to blackmail Mark and pressure Ryder raises questions about what he might be hiding. If Lauren finds evidence that explains his tactics, she could become a serious threat to his control.

Viewers have already expressed strong feelings about Ned’s behaviour. One commented that Ned was “even more disgusting”, while another described him as a villain whose actions were becoming increasingly difficult to stomach.

Lauren has her own reasons for wanting to protect her secret with Mark, which could make it difficult for her to judge Ned’s behaviour objectively. Yet if she discovers that his past explains his current actions, she may realise that keeping quiet is no longer an option.

There is also the question of how Mark will react. He has already been pushed into violence to protect his affair, and Lauren’s investigation could expose him to further pressure if Ned discovers what she is doing.

Could Ned’s former career explain his ability to manipulate those around him, or will Lauren discover something even more damaging?

Either way, her investigation could threaten the position he has worked so hard to establish.

EastEnders airs on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer. Image credit: BBC.