EastEnders fans fear the worst for ‘brain dead’ Abi Branning

EastEnders fans are fearing the worst for Abi Branning after the character was declared brain dead following her fall from the Queen Vic pub.

The Christmas drama continued in Albert Square on Thursday as the two sisters remained in hospital, watched over by their distraught father Max (Jake Wood).

But things took a downward turn for Lorna Fitzgerald’s pregnant character in the double episode, as doctors said she had “zero chance of regaining consciousness” and was “brain stem dead”.

Meanwhile, there was little update on her sister Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) who was also rushed to hospital after taking the tumble with her.

Coming after Fitzgerald’s previous announcement that she will soon be leaving the BBC One flagship soap, viewers are anticipating her final scenes, and took to Twitter to share their disappointment.

“I don’t want Abi to die,” wrote one, as another added simply: “NOOOO ABI.”

One commented: “As much as abi has annoyed me over the last few years, kinda don’t want her to die #EastEnders.”

Another added: “Some mean people on here yes Abi was a weird and she messed up but nobody deserves this Xx #EastEnders.”

“Well, I guess that answers all of our questions about who’s survived the fall,” one viewer posted. “Shame really. Once again Lauren’s selfishness prevails. She’s basically the reason Abi is brain dead! She dragged her down with her when she fell!”

On the other hand, some took the news as a hint that there is still time left for Lauren, even though Jossa has also confirmed she will be leaving the show.

“I am glad Lauren didn’t die,” wrote one viewer. “Hopefully this means you will leave the door open for @jacquelineMjos to come back to #Eastenders in the future?”