Will Lee Miss Nancy Giving Birth as His Drinking Causes More Trouble in EastEnders?

Lee Carter's drinking threatens to overshadow an important moment for his family in EastEnders next week when Nancy goes into labour and relatives struggle to contact him.

The Carter siblings have been dealing with growing tensions, with Linda increasingly concerned about Lee's drinking and the responsibilities awaiting him as he prepares for fatherhood.

Matters become particularly difficult when Linda prepares to tell Lee, Nancy and Johnny what she has discovered following her confrontation with Janine.

The siblings disappear before she can speak to them, leaving Linda and Max searching for answers. Linda eventually finds Nancy, and mother and daughter share an emotional conversation about recent events.

However, the situation takes another turn when Zack arrives and Nancy's waters break. Johnny, Elaine and Zack take Nancy to hospital while desperately attempting to contact Linda and Lee. Meanwhile, Linda and Max find Lee intoxicated at Harry's Barn.

The scenes raise the possibility that Lee could miss an important family moment because of his drinking, although his whereabouts when the baby arrives have not been confirmed.

Lee's difficulties have deeper roots in EastEnders history. During his previous time in Walford, he experienced depression, financial problems and serious difficulties in his marriage to Whitney. His mental health struggles were an important part of his earlier storyline.

Lee later admits that he is worried about becoming a father, and Linda reassures him that he will be a good parent. His concerns provide important context for his recent behaviour without establishing that his drinking has a particular medical or psychological cause.

For the Carters, the immediate question is whether Lee can accept support and be present for his family as they prepare to welcome a baby.

EastEnders continues on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Images: BBC.