After seven years of high drama and surprise storyline twists, EastEnders favourite Tanya Cross says an emotional farewell to Albert Square next week.
Tanya's exit comes as she makes a shock decision over what's best for her alcoholic daughter Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa), who has caused severe damage to her liver after a long period of binge drinking.
Here, Jo Joyner - who plays Tanya - discusses the drama in store as her character has one final rollercoaster of a week on the Square.
Tanya's exit week starts with a bang when she realises that Lauren is missing. How does she react?
"Tanya first realises something isn't right when she goes to see Lauren at Max's but she isn't there. It soon becomes clear that she didn't come home, so they immediately go out looking for her. Then they discover that Lauren went off with a stranger. Tanya is shocked and out of her mind with worry. It's any mother's worst nightmare!"
How does Tanya feel when Lauren eventually walks through the door?
"Tanya is absolutely relieved when Lauren walks through the door, but it is visibly apparent that she isn't well. Lauren immediately wants to have a drink, but she is in a lot of pain and she is trying to hide it. When she doubles over, that's when it hits Tanya that there is something terribly wrong with her and they need to get her to hospital. Jack is there too and they are both aware she is not right.
"It's awful to see Lauren in so much pain - it's the worst thing in the world for Tanya. She would do anything for her kids but she is totally powerless to help her."
The hospital diagnosis is bad news as Lauren's liver damage is so bad that any further alcohol could kill her. Did Tanya ever imagine that the situation was so serious?
"No, not at all. Tanya obviously knew that Lauren has a problem as she has been trying to help her, but she never imagined it was to this extent. When she hears the news, she is devastated as she doesn't know how it could have got this bad without anyone realising. She feels incredibly guilty for letting it get this far."
How do Tanya and Max react when they realise that Lauren's drinking is linked to their relationship troubles?
"It's not until they start talking about Lauren's drinking habits that they realise how Lauren's problem is exacerbated every time there has been a problem at home. Drinking has obviously been something that Lauren has been doing every time she wants to block out what is happening, and that is devastating for Tanya to realise. But it's also at that point when Tanya knows that she needs to do something drastic to stop her daughter from killing herself.
"Jacqueline has played this storyline beautifully - she is a very talented actress and it is heartbreaking to watch her portrayal of this. As too is Lorna Fitzgerald who plays Abi - the two of them have really grown up to be beautiful actresses."
Do you think Max and Tanya are ultimately to blame for letting things get this far?
"They are at fault for not realising earlier what Lauren was doing to herself, as they have been so consumed in their own problems for too long. Obviously this is the worst thing for both of them to realise as despite everything that has gone on over the years, their kids are the most important thing in the world to them."
Tanya decides to take action. What's going on in her head?
"Tanya knows that the situations she and Max have been in for the past few years has created a toxic relationship, and now that it's affecting the children she knows there is only one thing she can do to stop that getting worse for all of them. Her kids mean everything to her, so she makes a decision that she feels will be the best for all of them. It's not a hard decision to make as it is for the sake of her kids."
How hard is it for Tanya to go pack her suitcase and go through with what she's planning?
"It is extremely hard, especially as she is trying to keep what she is doing a secret but obviously that doesn't stay secret for long as Abi learns of her plans. But deep down she knows that she is doing the right thing, so there is no question over it."
How does Tanya react to Max's news that Kirsty isn't pregnant?
"She's stunned, but it also reaffirms to her that she is doing the right thing as she knows that yet again, this could be a situation that puts them back on the toxic rollercoaster that they have been on for so long. She is damned if she is going to yet again let the children be a victim of their mistakes."
Is Tanya tempted to reconcile with Max when he declares his love?
"Tanya is always tempted by Max! That's at the very heart of all their troubles. However, knowing that their problems have attributed to Lauren's problem makes Tanya realise that they cannot do this again.
"At this point, Tanya is so desperate for Max not to know what she is doing that she doesn't give him a straight answer. She's not as good at lying as Max is, though, so he of course discovers the truth."
How are things left between Max and Tanya? Will they always be soulmates?
"Yes, I think deep down they will always love each other and no-one else will ever come close for both of them. They shared some amazing times together and when things have been good between them, they have been very good but when they are bad, they are very, very bad.
"It's terribly sad but Tanya knows she has to walk away from the whole situation for the sake of her children - she has to put them first. I think Tanya is doing the right thing. She is putting her children first and that is the only thing that matters to her."
Was it emotional filming your final scenes?
"It was a bit surreal - it's been such a long time and there's so much history."
What memories will you take away with you?
"I'll take away lots of happy memories of laughing on set with my 'family', and feeling proud after a scene with Jake Wood, who plays Max, where we felt we'd really got it."
What will you miss most about working with Jake?
"Jake is a wonderful actor and I have been incredibly lucky to play opposite him. When you have chemistry with someone like that it is effortless, you just find yourself reacting regardless of how you thought it might go. We have built such a history together with these characters, so I shall really, really miss working with him."
What would you like to say to the fans who have supported you?
"I have sent a couple of Tanya mementos to some of my oldest most loyal supporters as a thank you. I'm so grateful for all the viewers' support for Tanya over the years."
Did the cast give you a good send off?
"I got a karaoke machine in at my party because we have got some amazing voices amongst the cast and crew. Especially the 'brat pack' as I call them - all our young gorgeous ones. Khali, Jamie, David and Jake all sang songs amongst others - I got serenaded all night! Lindsey Coulson and I gave our best Dolly Parton, and our head of make-up brought the house down with 'Don't Cry For Me Argentina'! Rachel who plays Poppy and our AD Gareth both made the most fantastic cakes! It was a great night."
What was your all time favourite Tanya storyline?
"Always the 'Stax' reveal at Christmas. I'm so proud of that story for us all. I loved every second. It feels like such a long time ago now - I've buried him alive since!"
Have you taken any souvenirs from the set with you?
"Yes, well I didn't, I got Jake to get it for me! It was a flying pig that was on the shelf in the Brannings' and you couldn't really see it and I've always liked it. I tried to get it myself but I couldn't move it, so I asked Jake to get it for me on my last day!"
What's next for you?
"A nice long summer and then I'm thrilled to be working with Sky Living on a new sitcom opposite Chris Addison being written by Simon Blackwell. Then hopefully some theatre in the New Year."
Are you pleased to be moving back to the country?
"It's like medicine to me. I love extremes, so I'm happy right in the heart of the city or out in the sticks. Somewhere in between doesn't suit me!"
Have you got lots of fun things planned for the family before your twin children start school?
"Yes! Lots of time on the beach with their friends, maybe a trip to Thomas Land, picnics at Blenheim Palace - I'm just looking forward to being able to be spontaneous, to wake up one morning and say, 'Weather looks good, let's get in the car and go to Cornwall!'"
Could you see Tanya back in the Square one day?
"Who knows? I've loved playing Tanya over the years and I would never say never. It has been seven amazing years. She has had so much drama, so I have been very fortunate."
What would you like to see happen to the Branning clan after Tanya leaves?
"I'd like to see Abi be successful and for her and Jay to be happy. I'd also like Lauren to recover!"
EastEnders airs Tanya's exit episode on Friday, June 28 at 8pm on BBC One.
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