EastEnders: Rainie Cross to steal baby Abi amid drug relapse?
Rainie Cross (played by Tanya Franks) will face an uphill battle to keep custody of baby Abi Branning on Eastenders next week. Her false marriage to Max Branning (Jake Wood), will face the ultimate test when her mother, Cora Cross (Ann Mitchell), bursts onto the scene and attempts to convince her daughter to betray Max. Things will get even harder for the new mother when she is tempted back to drugs. Rainie and Max’s relationship becomes increasingly complicated, which could jeopardise her arrangement with Max to pose as his wife until Max’s father has granted full custody of Abi. Baby Abi’s future is at stake, and this isn't a healthy environment to raise a child.
Soap star Tanya spoke to the Radio Times about how it will all unfold. “They [Max and Rainie] are just focusing on getting Abi back, Rainie doesn’t think much about the bigger picture, she’s just throwing herself into this and will deal with the ramifications afterwards,” said Tanya. But how does Rainie get back into drugs? “Being in this environment which is family orientated makes her look at what she hasn’t necessarily achieved in her life,” she explained. “There is also a falling out with Donna, who really hits home with Rainie’s insecurities, so that hits a really raw nerve which is where we see her have weaker moments – as well her stronger moments, too.”
BBC EastEnders spoilers: Rainie Cross to steal baby Abi amid drug relapse? Star spills all
Thankfully for Rainie, Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) steps in to stop her from making a huge mistake. “Phil is the one person that does and says the right thing for Rainie," the actress commented. “If there is anyone that she can look into a mirror and face herself with it’s him. If he hadn’t have come along at that moment, Rainie might have gone down that road again – Phil certainly helps to keep her out of it, that’s for sure.” Next week will see Cora come back into Rainie’s life, which will be a shock for her, but as Tanya explained, maybe not a bad one. “The fact Cora has the baby with her is enormous and allows Rainie and Max to explore what it would be like to look after Abi properly,” she said.
EastEnders star Leslie Grantham's life in pictures Fri, June 15, 2018 EastEnders actor Leslie Grantham has died at the age of 71. Take a look at his life and career in pictures. Play slideshow © BBC 1 of 15 EastEnders star Leslie Grantham's life in pictures