The mystery surrounding baby Ethan’s parentage in EastEnders has got viewers scratching their heads, as the tot’s mum and dad remain shrouded in secrecy.

Speculation has been rife amongst fans after Jack Branning was spotted tending to the little one, prompting many to wonder if he might be the father.

Yet some viewers are adamant that Ethan’s parents are actually two different Walford locals, with theories floating that Jack could be babysitting his daughter, Penny Branning’s offspring.

Jack is also dad to Amy and son Ricky, fuelling additional conjecture that Ethan might be a fresh member of his own brood, with a mystery character as the other parent. Should Penny turn out to be the mum, there are whispers of a blossoming romance with Vinny Panesar, potentially making them the proud parents.

Young Ricky, who already has a little one of his own despite his tender years, appears an improbable contender. Meanwhile, viewers are pondering whether Denzel might be the father if Amy is indeed the mother.

Naturally, considering Jack’s romantic history, there’s always the chance that Ethan could be his own flesh and blood, according to the Mirror.

Nevertheless, fans appear to have different ideas, flocking to X to voice their suspicions. Amy has emerged as the frontrunner in the parental stakes, with one viewer posting: “Who is Ethan? That better not be Amy’s baby.”

Another fan weighed in: “Is baby Ethan Amy and Denzel’s?” whilst a third enquired: “Whose baby is that? Amy’s?” Meanwhile, Jack was discovered by Lauren in a state of turmoil, hitting the bottle hard after his wife, Denise Fox, had stormed off. Lauren voiced her worry, telling her uncle she didn’t recognise him, suggesting he’d experienced something major and was finding it tough to deal with.

Lauren encouraged him to focus on the future, reminding him of his duty towards little Ethan. Viewers will have to keep watching to find out what triggers the events that unfold in the episode.

This comes as fans speculate about the identity of the pregnant woman seen in Max’s bed. In a scene set in 2027, Max awakens next to a woman whose face remains hidden.

However, her pregnancy is evident as she tenderly strokes her baby bump, and the camera reveals a baby scan and pregnancy supplements nearby. Following an unexpected scene on the BBC soap this week, fans believe it was a significant hint at future plot developments.

Despite many unanswered questions, viewers are convinced that Chelsea Fox is the expectant woman in Max’s bed. After recently expressing her attraction to him, fans are interpreting this as a clue pointing to her being the mystery woman.