First look at Jacqueline Jossa's explosive return to EastEnders after six years

13 November 2023 , 10:29

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First look at Jacqueline Jossa's explosive return to EastEnders after six years

After six years away from Walford, Jacqueline Jossa has reprised her role as Lauren Branning as she returns to Albert Square with a bang.

The 31 year old mum of two, who is married to former TOWIE star Dan Osborne, is seen coming through an airport with Jack Branning's daughter Penny who is also making a comeback after 15 years living abroad with her mum. Played by Kitty Castledine, Penny is seen looking in utter disbelief as Lauren is surrounded by sniffer dogs and police, who undertake a bag search. And she's clearly not liking the humiliation of being pulled to one side as she tries to explain herself to officers through gritted teeth.

Jacqueline Jossa makes an explosive return to EastEnders (ISO IMAGES LTD)

Lauren Branning tries to talk her way out of trouble (ISO IMAGES LTD)

Things don't appear to be going so well for Lauren as she is then placed in handcuffs and seen yelling and shouting at police officers. Speaking of her return Jacqueline told The Sun on Sunday: "I'm really excited. It's such an amazing time to be back as there is so much buzz around EastEnders at the moment. I've been watching and loving it like a fan. Walford holds a special place in my heart, so it really does feel like coming home."

Airport police believe Lauren is carrying something illegal (ISO IMAGES LTD)

Sniffer dogs are on hand to aid police search Lauren's belongings (ISO IMAGES LTD)

Back in June this year, viewers were reminded of Lauren when Cindy was seen living in France with Ian Beale and Peter Beale, played by Adam Woodyatt and Thomas Law. Lauren arrived to pick up her son Louie, who she shares with Peter, before they're seen having an emotional talk about whether or not to get back together.

Prior to that Lauren came back to Walford for the funeral of Dot Cotton. Speculation has been rife ahead of her return to the BBC soap over whether or not it will be a permanent move. And so during a Q&A session on social media with her fans, Jacqueline reassured her them in October, saying: "I haven’t actually come on at all and spoken about the fact I am going back to EastEnders. How wild is that? I haven’t spoken about it at all. It’s as permanent as anyone there is permanent. "

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Lauren is seen with Jack Branning's daughter Penny (ISO IMAGES LTD)

Lauren bows her head down in shame (ISO IMAGES LTD)

She added: "Obviously, you can get written out at any time but yeah, it’s not a flying visit this time, it’s back back. I think it’s been so good recently. I’m actually worried to come back and ruin it." Announcing her comeback last month, the news was met with delight by fans. Taking to social media, one person said: "You don’t understand how much this return means to us, unbelievably excited!" Another added: "The best news! EastEnders just keep raising the bar. There is no end to its brilliance. Incredible."

And a third wrote: "I am so happy and will start watching again if you're back in it! Love this news!! Good luck!! xx." And a fourth penned: "My favourite of all time, so glad they’ve brought her back! Fabulous actress." And in a bid to show his support, Dan told the Mirror: "She's excited to go back, she can't wait. For a long time, she was worried Lauren was going to get written back into it, but now she is excited to go back. The time is right now for her so it's good."

Lucretia Munro