Lauren Branning is making a dramatic return to EastEnders (Picture: ISO Images Ltd.)
We have our first pictures of Jacqueline Jossa as Lauren Branning in her return to EastEnders.
The actress was confirmed to be reprising her role of Lauren back in September, with details of her storylines being kept under wraps.
However, a TV insider previously teased: ‘The character has a lot of history and scores to settle, she is definitely going to bring the drama.
‘Bosses are staying tight-lipped about when fans will see her return on-screen.
‘But it’s set to be around the end of the year and likely to coincide with the soap’s legendary festive storylines.’
Now, photos have emerged of the I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! winner, 30, on set – and drama is definitely what she’s bringing.
First pictures of Jacqueline Jossa on set hint at an explosive first storyline back (Picture: ISO Images Ltd.)
Lauren is stopped at the airport by police after being away from the country (Picture: ISO Images Ltd.)
What have the sniffer dogs found? (Picture: ISO Images Ltd.)
Not quite the welcome home she hoped for (Picture: ISO Images Ltd.)
Images show a very tense moment between Lauren and police officers as she comes back into the country after spending time away.
She doesn’t quite get the welcome home she hoped for, though, as Lauren ends up getting arrested at the airport as a sniffer dog finds a substance in her bag.
Lauren is seen looking agitated as cops force her to open the large blue bag she is carrying before handcuffing her.
Not going quietly, Lauren rages as the arresting officer yanks her arms behind her back.
Lauren is bringing the drama already (Picture: ISO Images Ltd.)
She refuses to go quietly when cuffed (Picture: ISO Images Ltd.)
Will Lauren be able to get herself out of this one? (Picture: ISO Images Ltd.)
Fans will have to wait and see what caused her arrest (Picture: ISO Images Ltd.)
It remains to be seen what exactly was in Lauren’s bag, how it got there, and what she was planning to do with it, but EastEnders fans are surely in for a treat.
As well as Jacqueline returning to Albert Square, she’ll be joined by rising star Kitty Castledine, who has been cast as Penny Branning, as well as young son Louie Beale.
Ahead of Lauren’s shock return, it was said that Jacqueline’s old castmates ‘can’t wait to start filming with her’ as she’s ‘such a pro’ and has a ‘great sense of humour.’
Speaking of coming back after five years away, Jacqueline said: ‘I’m really excited.
Actress Jacqueline said she was buzzing to return after five years away from Albert Square (Picture: ISO Images Ltd.)
Soap fanatics will be hooked from the get-go (Picture: ISO Images Ltd.)
Lauren is causing a scene, as ever! (Picture: ISO Images Ltd.)
‘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.’
She added to The Sun on Sunday: ‘Walford holds a special place in my heart, so it really does feel like coming home.’
Lauren was last seen on our screens very briefly last December for the funeral of Dot Cotton.
Lauren has been away for five years, making just two brief appearances since leaving (Picture: BBC)
She also made a guest appearance in June for the comeback of Cindy Beale.
But now she’s set to get her own moment in the spotlight, with Jacqueline assuring soap fanatics that she won’t just be dipping in.
Speaking during an Instagram live-stream recently, she said: ‘It’s as permanent as anyone there is permanent. 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,’ she joked.
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Lauren is bringing the drama…