EastEnders fans 'work out' icon is returning 19 years after debut following 'clue'

EastEnders
-Credit:BBC/Guy Levy


EastEnders fans are convinced Tanya Branning (played by Jo Joyner) is making her way to Walford following a conversation with her daughter Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) on the phone.

As the BBC soap celebrates its landmark 40th birthday, Albert Square has seen a string of old faces return to mark the milestone anniversary. Last year, Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman) made a dramatic comeback as she was released from prison for murdering Dirty Den (Leslie Grantham) years before.

Michael French also made a brief appearance as David Wicks, offering support to his troubled daughter Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) before exiting once again. Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton) has returned to the Square and reignited her relationship with Martin Fowler (James Bye) while Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) also made a surprise appearance at Christmas after a 26-year hiatus.

EastEnders
EastEnders icon Grant Mitchell returns to Walford next week as Ross Kemp reprises his legendary role -Credit:BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

READ MORE: EastEnders fans urge BBC bosses to make last-minute change to live 40th anniversary episode

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Other characters including Joe Wicks (Paul Nicholls), Jane Beale (Laurie Brett), and Jake Moon (Joel Beckett) have also made brief appearances.

Ross Kemp has reprised his legendary role as Grant Mitchell for a much-anticipated return , as his brother Phil (Steve McFadden) grapples with deteriorating mental health. But could there be another familiar face on the horizon?

During Tuesday's trip to Walford (February 4), pregnant Lauren was sat in the laundrette talking to her mum on the phone.

EastEnders
EastEnders' Lauren Branning spoke to her mum Tanya on the phone during Tuesday's episode -Credit:BBC

"I have been pregnant before you know", Lauren told Tanya: "Yeah I know, I don't even like brie cheese mum."

Lauren then told her mum she loved her before giggling and hanging up the phone. It's unknown if Tanya is aware that Lauren has been caught-up in the 'who attacked Cindy Beale' saga and was addicted to pain killers.

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Tanya joined Albert Square in 2006 with her family, Max (Jake Wood), Lauren and Abi (Lorna Fitzgerald).

The Branning's were an instant hit, and were at the centre of some of EastEnders' most iconic storylines, including Max's affair with Stacey (Lacey Turner) which culminated in an explosive Christmas Day reveal.

Though Tanya hasn't been seen on EastEnders since 2018, that doesn't stop people asking when she's returning.

EastEnders
EastEnders fans think Tanya Branning is making a return to the BBC soap -Credit:BBC

Taking to X, one EastEnders fan wrote: "Lauren talking to ar Tanya on the phone… @bbceastenders You want to bring her back so badly #EastEnders."

A second stated: "TANYA CROSS RETURN LOOMING!", while a third chimed in: "Tanya mention omg #EastEnders."

"LAUREN PHONING TANYA come home #EastEnders", added one fan while another said: "“I DON’T EVEN LIKE BRIE CHEESE MUM”, MUM!? Omg a Tanya Cross return looms #EastEnders."

Another predicted: "LAUREN ON THE PHONE WITH TANYA. SHE LOOMS."

EastEnders airs Monday - Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer