]Pictured: Ann Mitchell as Cora Cross, Jo Joyner as Tanya Branning and Tanya Franks as Rainie Cross
EastEnders bosses have today confirmed the casting of award-winning actress Ann Mitchell as Tanya Branning's mother Cora Cross.
Cora will descend on Walford for Tanya's wedding next month, taking her daughter completely by surprise as she is unaware that her fiancé Greg Jessop has invited her to the ceremony.
Fans of the soap will soon see that Cora is nothing like her daughter as she has a brash, outspoken attitude and does not care who she offends. She also quickly puts Tanya under scrutiny, believing that success has turned her into a snob.
Tanya's troubled sister Rainie, last seen on screen for Phil Mitchell's crack addiction storyline, will also be returning to Albert Square for the wedding, turning up unexpectedly at Tanya's hen night.
Although Tanya is initially unhappy to see her wayward sibling, Cora vouches for her by promising that she has turned over a new leaf. Tanya soon softens towards her mum and sister, but whether the Cross women will be able to stay on good terms remains to be seen.
Ann Mitchell has appeared in numerous film, theatre and television roles in an extensive acting career. She also has a previous EastEnders credit to her name, as she once portrayed Roy Evans's mistress Jane Williams.
Speaking of her casting, Mitchell commented: "As a lifelong fan of EastEnders, I am thrilled to join the cast. I am a great fan of June Brown's and am looking forward to sharing some scenes with her."
EastEnders' executive producer Bryan Kirkwood added: "I'm very excited to have the much-loved Ann Mitchell joining us. Cora Cross is a formidable woman, cut from the same cloth as many glorious Walford women of the past, and Ann Mitchell is just perfect for the role."
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