Jacqueline Jossa to make an ‘explosive’ return to EastEnders

Jody Coffey

Jacqueline Jossa, 30, is planning to make an ‘explosive’ return to EastEnders, five years after her departure from the show.

The actress will reprise her role as Lauren Branning permanently after making a brief return to Albert Square last year for her step-grandmother, Dot Cotton’s funeral, as well as an unannounced guest appearance in June.

When on the scene in December 2022, Lauren sparked a feud with Linda Carter by calling her a cow after Linda badmouths Max.

Lauren revealed that she knew all about Linda and Max’s affair before returning to New Zealand.

On her proper return to Walford, Lauren’s storyline is set to be a complicated and dramatic one as her character becomes entangled with back-from-the-dead Cindy Beale, played by Michelle Collins.

The 30-year-old first joined EastEnders in 2010 and left eight years later when her character’s sister, Abi, tragically died after they both fell from the roof of The Vic. She has been living in New Zealand with her son Louie Beale ever since her death.

Announcing the news, BBC producers gave some details about Lauren Branning’s upcoming storyline.

“Jacqueline was last seen on screen this June when her character travelled to France to spend some time with Peter and their son Louie, but things soon took a turn for the worse when Lauren discovered Peter was keeping a huge secret from her – his mum, Cindy, was alive.

“The Beales have since returned to Walford, but just what brings Lauren back to the Square is yet to be revealed…”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by EastEnders (@bbceastenders)

Some of Lauren’s most dramatic and iconic storylines included the exposure of her lothario father Max Branning and Stacey’s affair on Christmas Day, her heartbreaking battle with alcoholism, the gripping Who Killed Lucy Beale? back in 2014, and more recently, Cindy Beale’s shocking return from the dead.

Jossa also expressed her excitement of stepping back into Lauren Branning’s shoes again.

“It’s such an amazing time to be back as there is so much buzz around EastEnders at the moment, and I’ve been watching and loving it like a fan.

“Walford holds such a special place in my heart, so it really does feel like coming home.”