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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Rebecca Cook

Jacqueline Jossa 'to return to EastEnders' after 'secret talks' with BBC soap bosses

Jacqueline Jossa is reportedly set to return to her role in EastEnders after she returned to Albert Square to film scenes for Dot Cotton’s funeral.

The 30-year-old stepped back into the shoes of her character Lauren Branning after she left the BBC soap in 2017.

Yet her return in scenes on the drama this month is said to have left Jossa realising how much she missed the role and fans can now expect Lauren to return to the fold full-time.

The I’m a Celebrity winner even teased a possible return to EastEnders on her social media this week, after her character Lauren bid a final farewell to the late June Brown’s character Dot.

Jacqueline returned to EastEnders for an episode (BBC)

A TV source has now told The Sun : “Jacqueline hugely enjoyed reprising her role as Lauren for Dot’s funeral. EastEnders was a huge part of her life and she absolutely loves her character.

“She had a conversation with EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw when she was back filming and made it clear she would be up for Lauren returning to Walford.

“Naturally it all depends on storylines and obviously Jacqueline would need to make it fit around her family life.

“But her two daughters are older now and going back on set made her realise just how much she missed EastEnders.

The star left the show in 2018 (BBC)

“She hopes that something can be rustled up for Lauren and that she can return full time at some point in the future.”

Jossa’s fans recently took part in a Q&A on her Instagram page and asked her if she would consider returning to the long-running soap 'full time'.

"Do you think you will ever go back to EastEnders full time?" a curious follower asked her.

She answered along with a picture of her character: "I loved being back, and was so happy with you in my DMs, maybe one day."

The I’m a Celebrity winner has teased a possible return to EastEnders (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

The mum of two confirmed her comeback for the scenes earlier this year, alongside other characters who returned for the funeral – including Colin Russell, Barry Clark, George ‘Lofty’ Holloway, Mary ‘the punk’ Smith and Disa O’Brien.

She spilled: "Coming back to EastEnders for Dot's funeral was a no-brainer, and it was a real honour to be invited back. I had a lot of fun but, of course, it was bittersweet. It was amazing to be back, but hard to be filming this storyline.

"I can tell the viewers now that Dot gets the beautiful send-off that she deserves. June was the light and joy of EastEnders. I had so much fun working with her, the incredible stories and how infectious & witty she was. June is a legend and I miss her very much."

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