EastEnders fan stunned as they spot unannounced recast character months after they ‘disappeared’ from Walford

EASTENDERS viewers were left stunned after they spotted a recasted character in the explosive New Year's Day episode.

BBC viewers were left shocked after Lauren Branning returned - and was arrested for drugs smuggling.

The mum of one - who is played by actress Jacqueline Jossa in the BBC soap - has returned five years after leaving Walford for good.

Her eight year old son Louie Beale also returned with her, who has been recasted.

Lauren made a brief return last summer when she visited ex Peter Beale in France and discovered his mother Cindy was alive and well having faked her death years earlier.

Last night’s New Year's Day episode saw Lauren still in France, staying with her cousin Penny Branning (Kitty Castledine) in Paris.

With Penny throwing a bash for her friends, she was disturbed when a mysterious woman called Juliette (Lily Catalifo) turned up and demanded she work for her again.

Juliette even found her way into Lauren’s son Louie’s bedroom, later threatening his life to Penny to force her to comply.

It wasn’t explicitly revealed what job Penny did - nor why her disability was such a help for it.

However, with Lauren set to return to Walford to visit ex Peter and her uncle Jack (Scott Maslen), Penny’s father, Penny saw an opportunity to escape.

She told Lauren she would join her and the three headed to the station to get the Eurostar to London.

Lauren allowed the police to search her bag, sure she had nothing to hide - until they found a large brick of drugs.

“That is not mine,” she insisted as the police arrested her.

“I’ve never seen it before.”

But while Lauren was being arrested, Penny just kept on going with Louie, not stopping leaving fans in shock.

However, viewers were distracted by the newest cast member.

Last June, Louie was portrayed by a young actor named Freddie Harrington.

In the latest episode of the BBC soap, a new actor was playing the role with Jake McNally having taken over.

Taking to social media, one viewer said: "Have they recasted louie again lol?"

Upon her comeback to Albert Square, Lauren will make a shocking discovery as she learns she has a sister, Annie Carter.

Will she let her dad Max Branning (Jake Wood) know?

Could this piece of news be enough to bring Max himself back to the Square?

EastEnders airs from Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.