Baby swap and infant death at christmas

[Perdita]

EastEnders' Ronnie Branning's husband doesn't believe her when she tries to tell him she swapped their baby with Kat Moon's son.

The troubled mum was devastated when he newborn James passed away from cot death and switched his body with that of little Tommy Moon on New Year's Eve (31.12.10) and after growing increasingly strained over the weight of her secret, she finally cracks and tells Jack (Scott Maslen) that the baby isn't his.

The matter comes to a head after Ronnie and Jack visit his brother Max in hospital and the troubled blonde is unable to cope with being in the same place where she gave birth months earlier, so she runs away, before blurting out part of her shocking secret when her husband follows her.

However, Samantha Womack, who plays Ronnie, revealed: "She blurts out that James isn't his son - but Jack doesn't believe her and thinks her depression is making her say it.

"He's really worried and insists on returning to Albert Square with her - but Ronnie drives off without him."

Ronnie is now determined to come clean about her actions and heads straight for the Queen Vic to speak with Kat (Jessie Wallace).

Samantha added to Inside Soap magazine: "All she wants to do now is the right thing. And, after telling Tommy she loves him like as her own, Ronnie walks into the Vic to bring an end to the torment and confusion she has caused."

(C) BANG Media International

[Perdita]

EastEnders star Samantha Womack has explained what goes through her character Ronnie Branning's mind as the soap's baby swap storyline reaches its long-awaited conclusion.

At the end of next week, Ronnie finally comes to her senses as she realises the enormity of her decision to switch Kat Moon's newborn son Tommy with her dead child James at New Year. Deciding to put things right, she bids Tommy a final farewell before heading into The Vic with the intention of ending Kat and Alfie's turmoil.

Ronnie's life-changing decision comes after her brother-in-law Max Branning and his daughter Abi are involved in a car crash on Tanya's wedding day, which brings the troubled character to the same hospital where she gave birth to James in December.

Speaking of the baby swap climax, Womack told Inside Soap: "The pressure of what Ronnie has done has been building and building for months and it's becoming enormous.

"There have been several moments where she's realised what she has to do, and being in the church for Tanya's wedding and around Kat and Alfie is particularly difficult for Ronnie. But it's the car accident involving Max and Abi that makes everything just too much to bear."

The actress noted that returning to the place of James's birth reminds Ronnie that his arrival was "the happiest day of her life" and prompts her to do the right thing at last.

Discussing how Ronnie tells husband Jack the truth, Womack said: "She blurts out that James isn't his son, but Jack doesn't believe her and thinks that her depression is making her say it. He's really worried and insists on returning to Albert Square with her, but Ronnie drives off without him.

"All she wants to do now is the right thing. And after telling Tommy that she loves him as her own, Ronnie walks into The Vic to bring an end to the torment and confusion she's caused."

Womack will leave EastEnders later this year. Although reports have suggested that Ronnie will spend time in jail after handing herself into the police, her final fate currently remains unknown.

DS

[alan45]

Baby Pictures

[Perdita]

JACK Branning breaks down after discovering baby Tommy is not his son.

The hardman sheds tears after wife Ronnie confesses that their son James died and she swapped his dead body for Kat and Alfie Moon’s son Tommy.

It means Jack (Scott Maslen, 39) has to hand over the little lad he has raised as his own and then mourn the loss of his own child.

And Ronnie ends up behind bars as cops investigate the baby swap.

But while it’s heartbreak for Jack, there’s joy for Kat and Alfie (Jessie Wallace, 39, and Shane Richie, 47) as they are reunited with the son they believed was dead.

They can’t hide their excitement outside the hospital after getting the all- clear from doctors.

The truth comes out this week after Jack’s brother Max (Jake Wood, 38) is hurt in a car crash on his way to Tanya’s wedding.

Ronnie and Jack rush to the hospital and it’s there that the enormity of what she’s done hits Ronnie.

Sam Womack, 38, who plays Ronnie, said: “The pressure of what Ronnie has done has been building and building for months.

“There have been several moments where she’s realised what she has to do, and being in the church for Tanya’s wedding and around Kat and Alfie is particularly difficult for her.

“But it’s the car accident involving Max and Abi that makes everything just too much to bear.”

She explains that returning to the place of James’s birth reminds Ronnie that his arrival was “the happiest day of her life” and prompts her to do the right thing at last.

Daily Star

[Perdita]

'EastEnders' Kat Moon almost loses her son for the second time when she "freaks out" after learning he is still alive.

The bolshy barmaid is stunned to learn son Tommy is still alive after he was taken by grieving Ronnie Branning - whose own baby James died from cot death - and Jessie Wallace, who plays Kat revealed her alter ego is so overwhelmed she almost misses a vital meeting with a social worker who has come to assess whether she and husband Alfie (Shane Richie) can take their baby home.

Jessie said: "Kat finds it too much to bear and scarpers. She goes home to The Vic, where Jean is waiting.

"Jean gets Tommy's toy, Clarence. She says, 'You're bringing your little boy home'and that's when it hits Kat. She can't get a cab so she runs to the hospital. She's desperate to make it on time."

However, when Kat makes it to the hospital, where Tommy is being checked over, the social worker is driving away.

Jessie added to Inside Soap magazine: "There's no way she's going to let that car drive off. She's not prepared to lose Tommy again."

Kat and Alfie are eventually given their baby back, and Jessie admits her character is left "overwhelmed" with emotion.

She said: "She's completely overwhelmed. Kat just wants to be the best mum possible. This is her second chance and she's determined to do a good job."

(C) BANG Media International

[Dutchgirl]

Baby Pictures

Ow where did they get his suit from. It is so Kat and Alfie. hahahaha nice touch.

[Perdita]

EastEnders star Jessie Wallace has confirmed that there will be no quick happy ending for her character Kat Moon once the soap's baby swap storyline has reached its climax.

Kat will finally get her son Tommy back this week, months after she thought she had lost him to cot death. The life-changing moment occurs as Ronnie Branning (Samantha Womack) comes to her senses at last, realising the enormity of her decision to swap the child with her late son James on New Year's Eve.

In an interview with Inside Soap, Wallace explained that there will still be difficult times ahead for Kat and her husband Alfie (Shane Richie) even after the emotional family reunion has taken place.

The actress commented: "Oh yes, there's still a bit of a way to go. There'll be lots coming up for Kat and Alfie. Kat is really struggling to get her head around the fact that Tommy was swapped with James, and Alfie quickly realises that she's finding it hard to cope with the situation.

"Kat really struggles to come to terms with how Ronnie could have done such a terrible thing. It's such a whirlwind of emotions - from anger and hatred, to happiness and joy at having Tommy back again. But it's going to take a lot for Kat to ever forgive Ronnie for what she's put her and Alfie through."

Discussing how things progress in the longer term, she added: "There's the complication of Michael being Tommy's biological dad for starters. And then we have some new Moons arriving in the summer."

Wallace and her EastEnders co-stars filmed the baby swap climax in early March.

DS

[Perdita]

Scott Maslen has confirmed that his EastEnders character Jack Branning will find it impossible to cope after his wife Ronnie's devastating secret is revealed.

The soap's baby swap storyline finally reaches its climax this Friday as Ronnie comes to her senses, tells Jack that Tommy is not his son and heads over to the Queen Vic with the intention of putting things right.

Next week, after she has come clean, fans will see Ronnie spend time in jail as her crime is investigated. Meanwhile, Jack is left reeling following the news that his baby son James was the child who died on New Year's Eve.

In an interview with Inside Soap about Jack's role in the aftermath of the baby swap reveal, Maslen explained: "He couldn't believe what Ronnie was saying when she tried to tell him about James, but now he's heartbroken.

"At first, he just couldn't understand what she was on about and thought she was saying it to be spiteful. He doesn't believe it until he hears the results of [a] paternity test, and then he's completely lost."

Discussing how Jack has to say goodbye to Tommy as Kat and Alfie get him back, the actor continued: "Jack is distraught - he loves the baby like he's his own. It feels like losing his own child. Jack can normally cope when things go wrong, but this situation has brought him to his knees."

Maslen also pondered what the future could hold for Jack and Ronnie, who tied the knot late last year.

He said: "Jack loves Ronnie. There's an unbreakable bond between them. One day, he might even be able to understand why Ronnie did what she did."

DS

[lizann]

Happy Moons

[Perdita]

Few soap storylines have divided opinion as much as EastEnders' baby swap saga, a plot which provided high drama both on screen and off as the actions of a grief-stricken Ronnie Branning sparked viewer complaints and a public debate. Tonight, millions of viewers will watch the storyline reach its long-awaited climax as Ronnie finally realises the enormity of what she has done and decides to put things right at last.

To mark the plot reaching its peak, Soap Scoop now takes a look back at the storyline with a full, in-depth timeline detailing how a tragic story twist became one of the most talked-about events in Walford history…

LATE 2010

September 23: During an interview on This Morning, Shane Richie offers the first teaser of what is ahead, explaining that he and Jessie Wallace will be at the centre of a massive EastEnders storyline. Shane promises that "it is going to be the biggest soap story in probably the history of soaps", but no further details are revealed.

October 17: The Daily Star Sunday is the first newspaper to reveal details of a baby tragedy ahead on EastEnders. A report in the tabloid discloses that either Kat Moon or Ronnie Mitchell will lose their child just a few days after giving birth.

November 3: In an interview about Ronnie's pregnancy, Samantha Womack confirms that there will be a "baby saga" ahead for the character in the New Year. She adds: "I hope it will be okay. It would be nice to see Ronnie happy... for a bit."

November 12: EastEnders bosses officially announce the details of the baby swap storyline, confirming that Ronnie will lose her son to cot death on New Year's Eve before switching him with Kat's child in her grief-stricken state.

November 20: A report in The Sun claims that the cast involved in the baby swap storyline have been offered counselling due to the hard-hitting scenes.

December 22: EastEnders' executive producer Bryan Kirkwood praises the storyline, describing it as a "bold" plot with "absolute believability".

December 23: Scrutiny surrounding the storyline increases as Samantha Womack admits that filming the plot has been "horrific" due to the emotional scenes. At the same time, Shane Richie admits that he has been deeply affected by the story. By the end of the day, EastEnders bosses announce plans to tone down the forthcoming cot death scenes to avoid upsetting viewers.

December 29: The first report of complaints surrounding the upcoming storyline is published as The Sun reveals that Facebook groups have been set up which brand the baby plot "ridiculous" for its portrayal of a bereaved mother as unhinged. However, a show source says: "Bosses are keen to assure viewers that they're not portraying Ronnie's behaviour as typical of bereaved mothers. Regular viewers know she's lost two children before this tragedy with James. She acts in a state of grief and shock."

December 30: 9.65m viewers watch Ronnie and Kat give birth to their baby sons James and Tommy.

JANUARY 2011

January 1: The episode in which Ronnie swaps James with Tommy following her tragic loss is watched by 8.95m viewers.

January 4: The BBC confirms that more than 3,400 complaints have been received about the baby swap storyline. The total includes viewers who complained before the plot had gone to air.

January 5: Internet rumours suggesting that the climax to the baby swap storyline has already been filmed are denied by EastEnders.

January 6: The attention surrounding the storyline turns into a frenzy as The Sun reports that Samantha Womack has quit EastEnders over the baby swap storyline. Womack's agent later issues a statement confirming her departure but denying any connection to the current plot. Meanwhile, as viewer complaints near the 6,000 mark, the BBC defends the storyline and media regulator Ofcom confirms that it is unlikely to launch an official investigation into the matter. Amid the row, reports in The Mirror and The Guardian claim that the story will be cut short in response to the complaints.

January 7: The BBC confirms that the baby swap storyline will reach its conclusion "earlier than planned". EastEnders' executive producer Bryan Kirkwood, BBC drama boss John Yorke and BBC Vision director Jana Bennett all defend the storyline, with the key message being that there is no intention to portray Ronnie's actions as typical of a bereaved mother. As the day concludes, it is confirmed that the storyline is now the most complained-about plot in the soap's history.

January 8: The latest tabloid rumours suggest that the baby swap storyline will have a "warm ending", focusing on Kat's joy at being reunited with her son. Meanwhile, EastEnders bosses agree to meet with bereaved mothers who have complained about the storyline.

January 9: Shane Richie and Jessie Wallace pledge their commitment to EastEnders in response to reports of unrest among the soap's cast. Show bosses insist that there is "absolutely no truth" in talk of poor morale on set.

January 10: Samantha Womack breaks her silence over the storyline, laughing off reports that she is heading for a breakdown over the plot.

January 11: The day of the baby's funeral arrives on screen, but fans notice that some cuts have been made to the episode at the last minute.

January 16: The BBC confirms that changes were made to the funeral episode, telling the Daily Star Sunday that it was "appropriate to respond" to the strong feelings surrounding the storyline.

January 18: Patsy Palmer denies reports that she has quit EastEnders over the baby swap storyline, clarifying that she is focusing on motherhood following the arrival of her fourth child Bertie but will return to filming "when the time is right".

January 26: EastEnders bounces back from the baby swap controversy by winning three prizes at the National Television Awards, including the hotly-contested 'Best Serial Drama' gong. On the red carpet at the event, Jessie Wallace defends the ongoing storyline, while Scott Maslen says that Samantha Womack may return to EastEnders in the future.

FEBRUARY AND MARCH 2011

February 6: A report in the News of the World claims that Samantha Womack will return to EastEnders in 2012 following a 12-month break. The BBC insists that it is too early to discuss any rumoured 'plans' for 2012.

February 13 The baby swap storyline gets its first award nomination, appearing in the 'Best Baby Drama' category in the All About Soap 'Bubble' Awards, which will be determined by a public vote.

March 2: A Digital Spy report exclusively reveals that Charlie Slater will make a brief return to EastEnders for an emotional reunion with daughter Kat. The pair's relationship had become strained in January as Kat blamed him for the loss of her baby.

March 5: Reports reveal that the climax to the baby swap storyline has now been filmed. Shane Richie and Jessie Wallace are spotted filming at a hospital with the baby.

March 6: A report in the Daily Star Sunday exclusively reveals the ending to the baby swap plot, confirming that Ronnie will come to her senses after Max suffers an accident on Tanya's wedding day, which brings Ronnie to the same hospital where she gave birth to James. The report adds that Ronnie will realise the enormity of what she has done and rush to the Queen Vic in a bid to put things right.

March 10: A Daily Star report says that Ronnie will hand herself over to the police after giving the baby back.

March 13: Jessie Wallace discusses the upcoming plot climax by confirming that there will be "happier times for Kat and Alfie".

March 22: Jessie Wallace backs the decision to end the baby swap storyline early, noting that "as an audience you want everything to fall back into place again".

March 23: A report in The Mirror reveals that Ronnie will spend time in prison for stealing the baby, before being released on bail on the day of Tommy's christening.

March 27: EastEnders continues to bounce back from January's row as the storyline wins the 'Best Baby Drama' prize in the All About Soap 'Bubble' Awards. Meanwhile, Jessie Wallace wins the 'Best Actress' gong and Kat and Alfie's return to Albert Square is named 'Best Comeback'.

March 29: Jessie Wallace and Shane Richie confirm that the plot will have a long-lasting impact on Kat and Alfie. Jessie says: "They've grieved for the death of their child. They thought they'd buried him, and now they've suddenly got him back. That's a massive thing to deal with."

APRIL 2011

April 4: Shane Richie reveals that he will soon become a father again but had previously chosen not to reveal the news due to the scrutiny surrounding the baby swap storyline.

April 5: Detailed spoilers released for the baby swap confirm that Ronnie will come to her senses following Max's car crash, verifying the Daily Star Sunday's report from a month earlier. Meanwhile, Samantha Womack explains that the plot's climax sees Ronnie decide "to bring an end to the torment and confusion she's caused".

April 12: Scott Maslen confirms that Jack will be "distraught" once the truth about the baby swap is revealed. Meanwhile, Jessie Wallace explains that the story will still have "a bit of a way to go" even after the reveal scenes have aired.

April 14: Viewers see that Ronnie's world is starting to crumble around her due to the problems stemming from her terrible mistake.

April 15: Fans will see the plot reach its climax as Ronnie decides to do the right thing at last.


DS