Yahoo News Former EastEnders star Jacqueline Jossa discusses possible return as Lauren Branning
EastEnders star Jacqueline Jossa has discussed whether she'd ever return to the soap full-time as Lauren Branning.
Last year, Jossa made a brief return to Albert Square as Lauren came home for the funeral of beloved character Dot Branning.
Now, speaking to The Mirror, Jossa has opened up about what it would take for her to permanently return to the soap, which she described as "the best job ever".
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"Lauren was a massive part of my life and I’m not ready to let go," she said. "I’ve always said to never say never, but it would have to be the right time for me and the show."
Speaking about her experience being back on set last year, Jossa added: "I loved being back on set, although it was bittersweet because we were filming such sad scenes and June was such an amazing part of EastEnders.
"At the same time, it was beautiful and special. June would have loved it. She was hilarious and she would no doubt have said something funny about it, but she’d have been really proud and happy.
The star continued: "I was really grateful that I was asked to come back for it. I went back in a heartbeat. There was no question of whether or not I would.
"I hadn’t realised just how much I missed all the people. It quickly felt like home being back at the set and it had a real family feel. That place just has such a big place in my heart."
Jossa left the soap in February 2018 while she was expecting her second child with husband Dan Osborne.
"I love the show so much, and I probably would have still been there otherwise, but I was happy to be with the kids more," Jossa said of her exit.
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"Being on the soap is tough if you’re a parent, and I never really got it because I was a kid when I started and was always on set. I remember Jo Joyner had her twins as I joined and I remember her struggling to balance that.
"I spoke to her quite recently and she said, 'You have to go with your heart because the kids always come first' – and they do."
EastEnders airs on Mondays - Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer.
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