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TRAGIC FAREWELL

What happened to Abi Branning in EastEnders, how did she die and what happened to her baby?

We take a look at the storyline that had fans in tears, plus find out how she died.

EASTENDERS fans were left on tenterhooks as to whether Abi Branning would live or die.

The pregnant much-loved character was left in hospital after a dramatic fall from the roof of The Queen Vic – and eventually passed away in tragic scenes. Here's how it all unfolded.

 Abi Branning's life support was eventually turned off
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Abi Branning's life support was eventually turned offCredit: BBC

How did Abi Branning fall?

Abi was declared brain dead after falling from the roof of the Queen Vic on Christmas Day, with medics saying there is "zero chance" of her ever regaining consciousness.

Pregnant Abi plunged from the pub roof alongside her sister Lauren, played by Jacqueline Jossa, while trying to stop disgraced Max from taking his own life.

The siblings were rushed to hospital but, while Lauren managed to pull through, Abi's life hung in the balance.

Doctors later declared her brain-stem dead, telling heartbroken Max that nothing could be done to bring his daughter back.

Since then, a ventilator has kept Abi alive while surgeons successfully managed to deliver her premature baby girl.

Viewers were left confused as to where the baby had gone to, but it was later revealed that Abi's dad, Max Branning, is trying to gain custody of his granddaughter.

 Despite Abi's catastrophic injuries, doctors successfully delivered her premature baby
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Despite Abi's catastrophic injuries, doctors successfully delivered her premature babyCredit: BBC

When did Abi Branning die?

With doctors unable to do anything else to help her, Abi's family were present to make the harrowing decision to end her life on January 19.

While at first Max refuses to accept his daughter's fate, he eventually took doctors' advice having sought second opinions and looked into medical negligence lawsuits.

In heartbreaking scenes, he then agreed to switch off Abi's life support machine.

Fans couldn't stop crying as Abi's mum Tanya, played by Jo Joyner, arrived at her deathbed as the tragic scenes unfolded.

At the start of the episode, the doctor explained what would happen to Lauren and Max.

He explained: “Very gently we’ll withdraw the support, Abi’s heart will slowly stop and she will pass.”

Max, played by Jake Wood, then tearfully asked whether they could make the decision to end her life at 8:32pm – the time Abi was born.

When she passed away, the Queen Vic fell silent and the punters raised a glass to the tragic young mum, played by Lorna Fitzgerald.

Viewers watched her heartbreaking funeral on February 16, 2018.

Who played Abi Branning?

Abi was played by 22-year-old Lorna Fitzgerald.

She was born on born April 17, 1996 and before EastEnders she had bit parts in shows like Casualty and appeared in adverts.

Lorna joined the cast of the BBC soap in 2006, meaning she has been on the show for more than a decade.

Abi and Lauren Branning fall from the top of the Queen Vic on EastEnders

 

 

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