Astonished EastEnders fans blast incest claims as Nancy and Lee twist rocks a nation

| Deputy Soaps Editor Published October 5, 2026 9:04pm Updated October 5, 2026 9:06pm To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video EastEnders fans were left with their jaws on the floor after Nancy Carter (Maddy Hill) revealed that the father of the baby she’s carrying is none other than brother Lee (Danny Hatchard). Linda (Kellie Bright), who has longed to become a grandmother, was bowled over to find out that Nancy – who returned to the Square in secret – was pregnant as she tracked her down at the hospital. Nancy, however, made it quite clear that she wasn’t in the mood for her mother’s questioning – particularly regarding who the father is – and thus sent her packing. Unable to keep her thoughts to herself, Linda speculated over Nancy’s pregnancy with mum Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe). Nancy, meanwhile, made a secret phone call, encouraging the person on the other end of the line to come with her as she confronted Linda. Linda was delighted when Nancy turned up at the B&B with Lee in tow but her smile soon turned to utter shock when Lee confirmed that he’s the baby’s father. The former landlady of the Queen Vic wasn’t alone in having such a reaction, with fans left reeling at the news, worried that the storyline in question was one of incest. Lee and Nancy dropped a big bombshell (Picture: BBC) ‘Eastenders doing an incest story now?,’ wrote user Rukks on X, formerly known as Twitter, which was a sentiment echoed by fellow fan Nico. JT, meanwhile, added: ‘Omg incest in the square’, while Bradley offered up another possible route the storyline could take: ‘This has to be surrogacy. If they go down the incest route it will be a disaster’ Yes, despite how things looked at the end of tonight’s episode, some EastEnders fans were quick to predict that – instead of a controversial incest storyline – the likelihood is is that Nancy is a surrogate for brother Lee. Linda was left reeling (Picture: BBC / Metro) Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. As longtime show viewers will know, Nancy made clear in the past that she doesn’t want children and thus this theory seems more in line with her characterisation. ‘I think it’s a surrogate situation’, said Metro user Jan of the shock cliffhanger, while Nick asked: ‘A surrogacy surely?. Solar added: ‘I hope it’s surrogacy and not…well….yk’ We’ll just have to wait and see but what we can tell you is that Linda finds out the whole truth in tomorrow’s episode. And hoping that being honest with her children will encourage them to open up about what’s going on, the matriarch comes clean about her romance with Max Branning (Jake Wood). Deals of the Day Kurt Geiger's new Notting Hill collection is a love letter to London's chaotic weather I’ve found the Hoover gadget that could make cleaning your floors so much easier I tried L'Oréal Paris's new PDRN serum and my skin looked glossier after one use This new Cricut gadget turns your favourite photos into stickers in minutes From kitchen hatches to burgundy walls – the biggest home trends for 2027 EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer. If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. Arrow MORE: Who are Nancy and Lee Carter in EastEnders and how are they related? Arrow MORE: EastEnders star ‘gutted’ to be axed ahead of dramatic exit Arrow MORE: All EastEnders spoilers for next week as two major characters return The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.