Jacqueline Jossa is to reprise her role as Lauren Branning on EastEnders on a full-time basis, it has been confirmed.
The 30-year-old departed the soap in 2018 but has since returned for cameos, including for the funeral of Dot Cotton (June Brown) a year ago and a surprise reappearance this summer as part of the storyline that brought back Cindy (Michelle Collins), Ian (Adam Woodyatt) and Lauren's ex Peter (Thomas Law).
Now Jossa becomes the latest former face to come back to Albert Square, with her first scenes due to be filmed in the coming weeks for broadcast later this year.
"I'm really excited," she told The Sun. "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."
Exec producer Chris Clenshaw added: "I'm delighted to welcome Jacqueline back to the role of Lauren Branning.
"We only saw Lauren on-screen a few 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 to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and is available from 6am on iPlayer.
Neil Wilkes
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