Jacqueline Jossa set for EastEnders return as Lauren Branning has 'unfinished business'

Jacqueline Jossa is scheduled to make a more consistent return to EastEnders as Lauren Branning after a brief appearance in the summer.

After a brief appearance earlier this year, Jacqueline Jossa is returning to EastEnders as Lauren Branning.

Having played the role since 2010, when she was just 17 years old, the 30-year-old mother of two, who is married to former TOWIE star Dan Osborne, left the BBC soap five years ago.

Along with several other deceased cast members, she made a comeback in December of last year to attend the funeral of illustrious Albert Square resident Dot Cotton (June Brown).

She also recently made a brief surprise appearance in June as a part of Cindy Beale’s (Michelle Collins) comeback plot.

“I’m so thrilled! As there is so much buzz surrounding EastEnders right now, which I have been watching and adoring like a fan, it is such a wonderful time to be back.

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

She was last seen living in France with Cindy, Ian Beale (Adam Woodyat), and her ex-husband Peter Beale (Thomas Law), who is the father of her son Louie. Her return is thought to be connected to that appearance.

Lauren didn’t move in with the other three characters, who have all since made Walford their new home.

Peter gave an explanation for her absence by stating that their relationship didn’t work out, but he didn’t go into great detail, so in true soap fashion, there may still be a lot of drama to be explored.

Chris Clenshaw, the executive producer of the program, announced her return and reaffirmed this.

Despite the fact that we only recently saw Lauren on-screen, he claimed that there was still a lot of unresolved business between her and the Beales after her return.

We are thrilled to have Jacqueline back in the Square as she carries on the Branning family tradition of being at the center of the drama in Walford.

After leaving the program, Jacqueline went on to win the 2018 title of Queen of the Jungle. In South East London, she also oversees The Jac Jossa Academy, a drama school.