After Jacqueline Jossa gave birth to baby Ella on Sunday, viewers were shocked to see her appear on EastEnders' Live Week. Jacqueline's character Lauren Branning appeared in several scenes in last night's episode, climaxing in her leaving a card for Jane Beale with a show-stopping message, before departing the Square in a taxi.

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"Jacqueline Jossa only gave birth yesterday and she is in the Live episode. That is proper dedication #EELive," one fan tweeted. " How is Lauren appearing 'live' when Jacqueline Jossa gave birth literally the other day??" another questioned.

But we can safely reveal that the new mum is happily at home with her baby – and not nipping into work 3 days after giving birth. The episode in question, only featured live segments at the beginning and end, neither of which starred the new mum. Phew! According to British law, when you have a baby you must take 2 weeks off as compulsory maternity leave – so the EastEnders team would have had to plan Jacqueline's scenes around this rule.

If you want to know which EastEnders scenes are live, check for #EELive being displayed in a corner of the screen, the BBC says. As part of the 30th anniversary celebrations each episode this week will include live portions, leading up to a full live 30-minute broadcast on Friday 20 February, when it will be revealed who killed Lucy Beale.

We reckon Lauren can be ruled out now as she's not available for more filming – but who knows? We could be wrong! What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.

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Photos: BBC and Flynet

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