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EastEnders star Kitty Castledine teases "rom-com" scenes for Penny Branning giving birth next week

Penny Branning is torn whether to tell partner Vinny her big secret over the paternity of her baby.

A smiling Penny and Vinny with their baby in EastEnders

BBC

Published: Friday, 11 September 2026 at 2:30 pm

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*Warning: Contains spoilers*

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EastEnders actress Kitty Castledine has given her verdict on whether she thinks Penny Branning needs to tell Vinny her secret whilst also teasing "rom-com" scenes next week.

Penny Branning has been keeping a secret from her partner Vinny Panesar, played by Shiv Jalota: that she doesn't believe he is actually the father of her unborn baby - instead, it's Harry Mitchell (Elijah Holloway).

In an episode next week, we see Penny consider telling Vinny her secret at his 30th birthday party, but Lauren tries to persuade her not to.

Speaking to Radio Times at the National Television Awards 2026 on Thursday, Kitty Castledine was asked her opinion on whether she thinks Penny needs to tell Vinny her secret.

A pregnant Penny dressed in white talking to Lauren in EastEnders

Penny wants to be honest BBC

"I think there's a lot of tension building up in Penny at the moment," Castledine told Radio Times, "I know she definitely wants to tell Vinny, and it's a big sort of tension in their relationship."

The EastEnders actress then teased what fans can expect to see from her character in upcoming episodes: "Next week, there's going to be a lot of fun stuff happening. Penny and Vinnie's birth happens.

"There's going to be a lot of exciting things. It's sort of very rom-comy, and they lean into the comedy of their love as well, which is really nice. Don't see that a lot, and yeah, it's lovely."

Harry, Nugget Avani, Vinny and Penny at Vinny's party in EastEnders

Vinny's 30th is eventful to say the least. BBC

In the episode, before Penny has the chance to admit anything to Vinny at all, her waters break in the middle of his birthday celebrations, and she gives birth to a boy at the hospital.

The couple are then basking in the newborn baby glow and feeling very loved up, so Penny decides not to tell Vinny her secret, leaving him oblivious.

However, will the truth out? And if baby Ethan in the flash-forward is the son of Penny, then what has happened to her?

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Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of Katelyn Mensah, smiling against a lime green background.

Katelyn MensahSenior Entertainment Writer

Katelyn Mensah is the Senior Entertainment Writer for Radio Times, covering all major entertainment programmes, reality TV shows and the latest hard-hitting documentaries. She previously worked at The Tab, with a focus on reality TV and showbiz news and has obtained a BA (Hons) in Journalism.

Phoebe Kowhai BarnesFreelance Writer

Phoebe Kowhai Barnes is a Freelance Writer who covers pop culture and entertainment programmes for the Radio Times. She previously worked as the Senior Assistant Editor at The Tab where she managed its local department. She obtained a BA (Hons) in English Literature from University of Nottingham.

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