Jacqueline Jossa reprises Lauren Branning role in EastEnders
Jacqueline Jossa is reprising her role as Lauren Branning in EastEnders.
Viewers last saw Lauren in June when she turned up in France while her son, Louie, was visiting his father Peter. Lauren contemplated a reunion with Peter, but after learning that Cindy, his mother, was still alive and living with him and Ian, she turned on him for keeping secrets.
With Ian, Cindy and Peter now back in Walford, Lauren will soon return as well, but viewers will have to wait to see what leads to her return.
On reprising the role, Jacqueline Jossa said:
“I’m really excited! 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.”
Jossa made a previous guest return to the BBC soap in December 2022 for the funeral of her on-screen grandmother, Dot Branning.
The actress originally played the role of Lauren between 2010-2018, replacing Madeline Duggan, who played the character between 2006-2010.
Lauren has been involved in a number of high-profile storylines, including the exposure of Max and Stacey’s affair on Christmas Day, a battle with alcoholism, and the gripping Who Killed Lucy Beale whodunnit.
The character originally left Albert Square in 2018 when her sister Abi tragically died after they both fell from the roof of The Vic, and has been living in New Zealand with her son Louie ever since.
With Cindy back from the dead, deep wounds to mend with Peter, and a sister living in The Vic who she isn’t yet aware of, Lauren’s return is sure to stir up trouble for the residents of Walford.
Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw said:
“I’m delighted to welcome Jacqueline back to the role of Lauren Branning. We only saw Lauren on-screen a few of months ago, but her return left plenty of unfinished business between her and the Beales. The Branning family have a long history of being at the heart of the drama in Walford, and we’re thrilled to have Jacqueline back in the Square as she continues that family tradition.”
EastEnders airs Monday-Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and iPlayer
