Lauren Branning is set to go through another setback surrounding the storyline about her young son Jimmy on EastEnders.

Jacqueline Jossa’s character recently had to fight for her little one when she noticed something was wrong with eyes, but no one seemed to take her seriously. After causing a scene, she was finally able to see a consultant who confirmed the life-changing diagnosis.

Lauren and Peter Beale were told that Jimmy has optic nerve and chorioretinal coloboma, which means that the back of his eyes hasn’t properly formed, and he is severely sight impaired.

But Lauren thinks that things could be looking up for her son, when she comes across a treatment plan for him. Unfortunately, Lauren is actually the victim of a healthcare scam, and is duped out of her money by fraudsters.

It’s yet more heartache for the mum-of-two, who initially thought she had inadvertently been responsible for Jimmy’s blindness due to her dependence on drugs when she was pregnant.

But she did later receive the news it was actually caused by a genetic mutation, which is not inherited or caused by opioid use.

The storyline is part of the BBC’s Scam Safe week, with a special week of programming highlighting what viewers can do to protect themselves and their loved ones from being scammed.

There will also be special episodes of Hope Street, The One Show and Bargain Hunt among other TV and Radio shows.

The Lauren storyline will focus on how scammers play into individuals’ vulnerabilities and emotions surrounding the healthcare of those they love to convince people to part with money.

BBC Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips said: “The BBC is dedicating a full week to being a trusted destination for advice, insight, and engagement on how to spot and stop scams.

“At the BBC, we remain deeply committed to tackling disinformation and empowering our audiences with facts they can trust. With fraud making up over 40% of all crime in the UK, raising public awareness has never been more essential.

“Our 2025 Scam Safe week will equip people with the knowledge and confidence they need to protect themselves – and drive a vital national conversation. With our unparalleled access and expertise, we’re proud to stand with communities across the UK in the fight against fraud.”