Lauren Branning

EastEnders writer and ex-cast member Emer Kenny has expressed her doubts amid speculation that Lauren Branning is becoming an alcoholic.

The Zsa Zsa actress believes that Jacqueline Jossa's troubled character is simply going through a stage of extreme binge drinking.

"It's less alcoholism and more binge-drinking is what they are trying to do," Kenny told PA. "That's a very real and relevant teenage story, because it reflects real life.

"EastEnders can sometimes exist in its own land and I always think it's a good thing when it connects to the real world. I don't see her becoming an alcoholic at 18, but I don't know."

Speaking of other Albert Square residents she writes for, Kenny added: "I love writing for little Tiff (Maisie Smith), but I would like to write for Shirley (Linda Henry), because my character was her niece and I really love her.

"But I think it would be daunting because I think Linda is an amazing actress and I would want to do her proud," she admitted.

"I also enjoy writing for Lauren Branning because Jacqueline [Jossa] is a brilliant actress. She's relateable for me in terms of age so she's a nice person to write for."

"I also enjoy writing for Lauren Branning because Jacqueline [Jossa] is a brilliant actress. She's relateable for me in terms of age so she's a nice person to write for."

That statement has cheered me up no end ,Ms.Kenny, you must be joking.

EastEnders star Jacqueline Jossa has revealed that she has signed a new one-year contract with the soap.

The actress - who plays teen tearaway Lauren Branning - joined the show two years ago. She told the Daily Star that she will continue with the role for as long as she is wanted.

"I'm having a great time," she said. "I've just signed a one-year contract and am happy to stay for as long as they'll have me.

"I get so excited when I open my scripts. So as long as that continues, then I'm happy. I really do love it."

The 19-year-old also addressed rumours that she is planning to move in with her boyfriend and EastEnders co-star Tony Discipline, who plays Tyler Moon.

"When *people ask me about marriage or even moving in with Tony I have to laugh," she said. "It's just so ridiculous. I am 19 years old and am enjoying myself.

"Hetti [Bywater] (Lucy Beale) and I are currently neighbours and I can definitely see myself living with her. I mean, imagine it - Lauren and Lucy *actually living together."

When asked about Lauren's developing relationship with her cousin Joey, Jossa said that she sympathises somewhat with her character's situation.

"Obviously I can't relate to liking my cousin. But the thing that I'm holding on to is that they haven't been brought up together as cousins," she explained.

"They've *really only just met... so I kind of feel that it's not that weird that they're cousins - and it can be **justified.

"He's good-looking as well and as we all know, Lauren's a bit of a weirdo. She loves it really, she's like 'This could really p*ss off my dad'."

She added: "It's not her biggest motivation, though, as she really does fall for Joey."

Viewers will see Joey and Lauren's relationship deepen over the coming months, with explosive consequences. Jossa's co-star David Witts recently described the upcoming scenes between the pair as "absolutely humongous" and said they were "just what [his character] needed".

EastEnders' Lauren Branning will leave her mum's wedding plans in tatters after embarking on a destructive rampage.

Viewers will see the Albert Square wildchild - played by Jacqueline Jossa - spiral out of control as Tanya prepares to marry Max.

http://i2.cdnds.net/12/08/618x412/so...ers_4387_2.jpg
© BBC


According to the Daily Star Sunday, Lauren leaves a trail of destruction in her wake in the buildup to her mum's big day, cutting up Tanya's wedding dress, smashing the cake and ruining her dad's suit.

In the aftermath, her parents are said to be so *upset that they even discuss cancelling their Christmas nuptials.

"Her parents have been planning their special day for months and finally, when everything is done, Lauren loses it," revealed a show insider.

"She goes* crazy, smashing up the house and all the wedding stuff. Her parents are disgusted with her and, with no dress, Tanya is adamant the wedding is off.

"She sees it as a sign not to get married. Whether or not they go through with it remains to be seen."

http://i1.cdnds.net/12/36/618x403/so...rs_4498_12.jpg
© BBC


In the run-up to Christmas, Lauren's behaviour is due to become more and more erratic. After entering into a passionate affair with her cousin Joey (David Witts) and making a narrow escape from a dramatic car crash, viewers will see her turn to drink as she tries to come to terms with her feelings.

"Lauren has always been wild but by the time the wedding approaches she has gone *completely off the rails - again," the source explained.

"One thing's for sure, she is not going to be forgiven this time. And if [Max and Tanya] do manage to *salvage their special day there's no way Lauren will be *welcome."

EastEnders executive producer Lorraine Newman has revealed that Lauren Branning's binge-drinking plot will come to a head this spring.

Newman described the teenager as "very troubled" in an interview posted on the BBC's official EastEnders blog.

When asked what is in store for Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) and her cousin and lover Joey (David Witts) this year, Newman said: "Lauren's obviously very troubled. A huge amount of what we're seeing now is to do with what's been going on with her parents for such a long time.

"It's a tough one covering the issue of binge drinking because inevitably, in order for it to have sufficient impact, it has to go on for a considerable amount of time. There's a real danger that it will become unpalatable and that you won't have too much empathy for the character."

"We will see Lauren's story come to a peak [in 2013], but how will she deal with it? Will she come out the other side? What kind of impact is it going to have on her family?

"Again, it's a huge issue story, something that's affecting so many teens, and the impact that it's having on the parents and the siblings is huge, it's something we'll be going into major detail with."

Newman also hailed Jossa's skill as an actress, expressing her belief that "those moments of vulnerability we get from her are amazing".

"We weren't sure quite how [Lauren and Joey] being cousins would sit with the audience, but the audience do seem to adore them as a pairing over and above this. So there's clearly still plenty of story to unfold there," she added.

Read more: http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2...#ixzz2pDNy2X5G

EastEnders character Lauren Branning will get her drink spiked by best friend Lucy Beale in an upcoming storyline.

The teenager, played by Jacqueline Jossa, has spent the past few months battling a drink problem, but finally gives up alcohol to save her relationship with cousin Joey (David Witts).


Lucy, played by Hetti Bywater, can't stand to see the pair happy together and decides she wants Joey back following their brief fling.

In scenes to be aired next month, Lucy spikes newly sober Lauren's drink with alcohol and watches as she makes a fool of herself.

Joey dumps her, convinced that she has been drinking behind his back - which sends Lauren's life spiralling out of control.

An EastEnders insider told the Daily Star Sunday: "It's going to be emotional to watch Lauren go through it all again as she's already been through so many battles with the bottle."

I really can't stand Lucy, she's horrible.

Lauren's growing on me as a character, it has take me a while to get used to the new actress

I really can't stand Lucy, she's horrible.

Lauren's growing on me as a character, it has take me a while to get used to the new actress

EastEnders teen Lauren Branning is arrested later this month after her behaviour spirals completely out of control.

A shocking outburst from Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) occurs after her rival Lucy Beale (Hetti Bywater) winds her up once too often.

The drama begins when Lauren's cousin and ex-boyfriend Joey (David Witts) spots her arguing with her sister Abi and heads over to check whether everything is okay.

When a jealous Lucy spots the intimacy between the former couple, she returns to her scheming ways by deliberately goading Lauren. Taking the bait, a furious Lauren punches Lucy in the face.

Joey immediately tries to restrain Lauren, but she loses control even further by grabbing a sugar jar and throwing it through the café window, before storming off to the Queen Vic for more alcohol.

Unfortunately for Lauren, she must face the consequences of her actions as the police soon arrive at the pub to arrest her for assaulting Lucy…

EastEnders airs these scenes on Thursday, May 30 and Friday, May 31 on BBC One

EastEnders star Jacqueline Jossa has revealed that Lauren's stepmother Kirsty Branning is very aware she has a drinking problem.

Lauren's drinking continues to spiral out of control in the coming weeks, causing her dad Max (Jake Wood) and his wife Kirsty (Kierston Wareing) to take action.

Jossa said to Soaplife: "Lauren doesn't see it as a problem. She believes she is only drinking as much as anyone else.

"She doesn't become aware of how intense her problem is but Kirsty does. Kirsty knows addiction and can spot the signs but Lauren is like 'No'.

"Kirsty makes Max realise that Lauren needs help."

Jossa also admits that Lauren is relieved when Max tries to get her back on the straight and narrow.

Jossa said: "Lauren's annoyed that Tanya thinks she needs to be locked up because in her head, she can stop drinking whenever she wants.

"She sees Max is on her side, which is nice, but that is too much pressure on her. He will try and make her stop drinking and she doesn't think she can.

"She fears she will let everyone down."

I'm so bored with Lauren and her drink story, whilst it is probably trying to get a message across to binge drinkers, sad thing is, each time I see her with a drink, I end up going and having one!!

Is this the only acting she can do, we need to see her having another role in life!!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Perdita

EastEnders star Jacqueline Jossa has revealed that Lauren's stepmother Kirsty Branning is very aware she has a drinking problem.

Lauren's drinking continues to spiral out of control in the coming weeks, causing her dad Max (Jake Wood) and his wife Kirsty (Kierston Wareing) to take action.

Jossa said to Soaplife: "Lauren doesn't see it as a problem. She believes she is only drinking as much as anyone else.

"She doesn't become aware of how intense her problem is but Kirsty does. Kirsty knows addiction and can spot the signs but Lauren is like 'No'.

"Kirsty makes Max realise that Lauren needs help."

Jossa also admits that Lauren is relieved when Max tries to get her back on the straight and narrow.

Jossa said: "Lauren's annoyed that Tanya thinks she needs to be locked up because in her head, she can stop drinking whenever she wants.

"She sees Max is on her side, which is nice, but that is too much pressure on her. He will try and make her stop drinking and she doesn't think she can.

"She fears she will let everyone down."

---

I think everyone knows she has a drink problem with a long long time

EastEnders star Jacqueline Jossa has predicted that there will be "interesting" times ahead for the Branning family following Tanya's exit from Albert Square.

Jossa's character Lauren Branning currently has a serious drinking problem, which leads to the departure of her mum Tanya next week.

Jo Joyner, who played Tanya, announced her decision to move on from EastEnders in April and filmed her final scenes last month.

Paying tribute to her former co-star, Jossa told The Sun: "I will miss everything about Jo - I like her little quick jokes, and her love of spending time with the young crowd. The Brannings will definitely be different with Jo gone - Tanya is such an amazing character but it's a chance to take the family a different direction and see what interesting things come out of it.

"Jo will be missed but hopefully one day she'll be back, who knows?"

http://i1.cdnds.net/13/24/618x426/so...rs-4664-15.jpg
© BBC
Tanya and Lauren in one of their final scenes together.


Lorna Fitzgerald, who plays Tanya's youngest daughter Abi, added: "I will miss [Jo's] humour the most. Be it on or off set, as it always made even the most difficult and emotional days a little easier to deal with.

"We have kind of lost the heart of the family with Tanya leaving - she was the glue that held all of us together. That said, I do believe that Max will keep the family strong - the Brannings have been through a lot worse!"

EastEnders airs Tanya's final episode on Friday, June 28 at 8pm on BBC One.

EastEnders has been praised by the British Liver Trust for its portrayal of Lauren Branning's alcoholism.

Andrew Langford from the charity described the BBC One soap's handling of the issue as "professional" and "outstanding".

He told the show's official website: "It has been amazing just how professional everyone at EastEnders has been – the desire for accuracy has been outstanding from everyone.

"The EastEnders production team involved us initially in the early scripting stages and then in the actual filming too, which enabled us to support them in making the storyline as factual and accurate as possible."

Langford revealed that any "concerns" he had over the storyline were "allayed" once he read the scripts. He added that the soap has successfully managed to avoid glorifying teenage drinking.

"Having this storyline on a major British soap allows us to get a message across to millions – I hope teenagers themselves take notice and reflect on their own drinking habits," he continued.

"I think there will be a huge reaction from parents of teenagers who recognise some of Lauren's drinking habits from their own children. With either group, I hope it will result in action."

Jacqueline Jossa - who plays Lauren - recently confessed that the storyline has been "difficult" to film, but has also offered her a "great experience".

Lauren Branning arrives home from hospital and quickly returns to her old ways in EastEnders tonight (June 27).

Although she's in desperate need of some rest, a troubled Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) soon gets bored at home and heads out to look for Joey.

When a visit to the café leaves her with the wrong impression that Joey is back with Lucy Beale, Lauren becomes emotional and heads to the Queen Vic for a drink.

With everyone aware that another drink could kill Lauren, her mum Tanya (Jo Joyner) is immediately called to the pub to deal with the situation. Dragging Lauren outside, Tanya is at a loss over what to do about her problem…

http://i2.cdnds.net/13/24/618x419/so...ers-4664-1.jpg
© BBC
Tanya drags Lauren out of the pub.

EastEnders airs tonight at the earlier time of 7.25pm on BBC One.

EastEnders star Jacqueline Jossa has hinted that Lauren Branning could get her life back on track.

Last month, viewers saw Lauren agree to check into a clinic after a long-running alcohol problem caused serious damage to her liver.

Lauren is expected to remain off screen until early August as her treatment continues.

Speaking to Digital Spy at the Infiniti Gate Experience last night, Jossa commented: "You'll see a completely different side to Lauren when she returns to the Square. She's been through a lot recently, but now you're going to see a nicer and softer side to her.

"I hope she can get things back on track. It does seem like it's going that way, but there are also going to be things that try to possibly get in the way of that!"

Jossa also admitted that she isn't expecting Lauren to reunite with ex-boyfriend Joey (David Witts) anytime soon.

She explained: "You'll have to wait and see. At the moment they're not getting back together, but the heart wants what the heart wants!

"I do want them to get back together, because I love working with David and it's always fun having scenes with him. I think Lauren and Joey make a good couple, bar the fact that they're cousins!"

Reports have revealed that Lauren will soon be having a new romance with Jamie Lomas's character Jake Stone, a recovering alcoholic who arrives on screen next month. The pair are expected to meet at a support group.

Jossa added: "I've already started filming with Jamie and he's really, really lovely."

.

EastEnders actress Jacqueline Jossa has reportedly split from boyfriend Tony Discipline.

The 20-year-old, who plays Lauren Branning in the BBC One soap, has parted ways with her co-star after a year and a half of dating.

The couple felt they had grown apart in recent months but will remain friends, according to the Daily Star Sunday.

Discipline announced that he is leaving his role as Tyler Moon in EastEnders last month after producers decided not to renew his contract.

Jossa recently told Digital Spy that viewers will see a "completely different side" to Lauren when she returns from rehab next month.

"She's been through a lot recently, but now you're going to see a nicer and softer side to her," she said.

"I hope she can get things back on track. It does seem like it's going that way, but there are also going to be things that try to possibly get in the way of that!"

Former Hollyoaks actor Jamie Lomas was recently cast as Lauren's new love interest Jake Stone.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by owenlee4me

I'm so bored with Lauren and her drink story, whilst it is probably trying to get a message across to binge drinkers, sad thing is, each time I see her with a drink, I end up going and having one!!

Is this the only acting she can do, we need to see her having another role in life!!

---

The storyline has failed imo as Lauren is back looking quite tanned after a few shorts weeks in a clinic/hospital after being at death's door from liver failure

.

jacqueline jossa and dan osborne are having a baby - will this be written into a storyline for lauren maybe up the duff from dean or peter

EastEnders star Jacqueline Jossa has confirmed her involvement in the soap's 30th anniversary celebrations.

The actress, who plays Lauren Branning in the Walford drama, recently announced that she is expecting her first child with boyfriend Dan Osborne.

Fans had speculated that Jossa's maternity leave might lead to her missing out on EastEnders' milestone birthday episodes, but she told Digital Spy last night (September 8) that this won't be the case.

Speaking on the red carpet at the TV Choice Awards, the 21-year-old explained: "Yeah I am involved, luckily! That's one of the main things I was really worried about. I was like, 'Perfect timing, child!'"

With Lucy Beale's killer due to be unveiled in the anniversary episodes, Jossa continued: "I think I'm getting closer to the truth, but I can't really talk about it because I know more than you. I've narrowed it down and in my head I'm nearly there."

Jossa also offered her reaction to fan theories that Lauren could have been the killer's intended victim, which would mean Lucy's death being a case of mistaken identity.

She said: "I think it makes sense because they were both wearing the same clothes, they have the same initials and Lauren was supposed to be going to the letting that night.

"So it does make sense but that doesn't really help me - I don't know why somebody would be after Lauren. It'd be a good twist but I have no idea!"

Jossa also backed the decision to finally reunite Lauren and Peter Beale (Ben Hardy). The old flames have developed feelings for each other again since Lucy's murder, but look set to finally get back together later in the autumn.

She said: "We've got actually quite nice happy stuff coming up for Lauren. It's because we're finding love that's kind of been there all along but she's the only one who didn't know.

"I've been waiting for it for ages because it's been building up and building up. They've been best friends anyway, so it's quite cute. Me and Ben get on really well and it's been exciting to work together."

EastEnders' Lauren Branning is forced to act on her feelings for Peter Beale later this month when she realises he is planning to leave Walford.

Peter (Ben Hardy) has previously confessed his love to friend Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) but she insisted on sticking with new boyfriend Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo), claiming that she didn't feel the same.

However as she becomes increasingly confused by her feelings, Lauren decides to end her relationship with Dean, but she is shocked when he reacts angrily and loses his temper.

Having witnessed Dean's temper, Whitney goes after Lauren, who tries to call Peter but gets no response. When Whitney suggests to Lauren that she broke up with Dean because of Peter, Lauren remains in denial over her feelings.

Elsewhere, Peter has packed his bags and hands Cindy a note to give to Ian, but when Cindy reads it, she is horrified by its contents and immediately takes it to Lauren.

The note reveals that Peter is escaping Walford for good and heading to New Zealand, causing Lauren to race off and find him.

Catching up with Peter at the station, Lauren tells Peter that she loves him and the pair kiss, but will Peter change his mind and stay?
http://i2.cdnds.net/14/38/618x412/we...n-and-dean.jpg
Lauren breaks up with Dean.
© BBC
Lauren breaks up with Dean.
http://i1.cdnds.net/14/38/618x407/we...and-dean-2.jpg
Lauren and Whitney are shocked by Dean's reaction.
© BBC
Lauren and Whitney are shocked by Dean's reaction.
http://i1.cdnds.net/14/38/618x436/we...d-lauren1-.jpg
Lauren tells Peter she loves him.
© BBC
Lauren tells Peter she loves him.
http://i2.cdnds.net/14/38/618x412/we...nd-lauren2.jpg
Lauren and Peter kiss.
© BBC
Lauren and Peter kiss.

EastEnders airs these scenes on Tuesday, September 30, Thursday, October 2 and Friday, October 3 on BBC One.

Why is Whitney wearing one of Peggy Mitchell's old outfits?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by LostVoodoo

Why is Whitney wearing one of Peggy Mitchell's old outfits?

---

is she working in the pub?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by LostVoodoo

Why is Whitney wearing one of Peggy Mitchell's old outfits?

---

is she working in the pub?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by lizann

is she working in the pub?

---

is it 80's night??!!!

Lauren looks to be wearing a lamp shade :p

she is to take a year off for her baby

EastEnders star Jacqueline Jossa has admitted that she is still in the dark over how she will be written out of the soap.

The 22-year-old actress, who plays Lauren Branning, is currently expecting her first child with her Only Way Is Essex star boyfriend Dan Osborne.

With secrecy currently surrounding many EastEnders storylines, Jossa has yet to be told how her temporary departure will be written into scripts - but she denied recent reports that she is planning a one-year maternity break.

"I am going to have to leave at some point to give birth, but I don't really know what will happen with my storyline. They're keeping it a secret from even me because it is that tight," Jossa told the Daily Mail.

"I don't have a clue either but I know I will be coming back. I read somewhere I was taking a year out which isn't true. I definitely want to go back."

Jossa has spent most of the year involved in EastEnders' ongoing 'Who Killed Lucy Beale?' storyline, with Lauren one of the possible suspects in the case.

More recently, Lauren was being followed by DS Bryant (Glen Wallace), one of the police detectives currently investigating the murder.

jake wood said she was taking a year off leaving filming in december

Jacqueline Jossa has given birth to a baby girl.

The EastEnders actress welcomed her daughter Ella - her first child with her boyfriend, The Only Way is Essex cast member Dan Osborne - on Sunday (February 15).

The pair, who made the pregnancy announcement last year, both took to Twitter today to share the happy news.

Jossa said: "Baby ella osborne was born yesterday, thankyou @DannyO and @Sarabro2 for everything. Amazing. She's perfect x (sic)".

Osborne added: "So so so so happy to tell you all!! Our baby girl Ella arrived yesterday evening. @jacquelineMjos done SO well, proud of you. I love you ".

Baby ella osborne was born yesterday thankyou @DannyO and @Sarabro2 for everything. Amazing. She's perfect x

— Jacqueline Jossa (@jacquelineMjos) February 16, 2015


So so so so happy to tell you all!! Our baby girl Ella arrived yesterday evening @jacquelineMjos done SO well, proud of you. I love you

— Daniel Osborne (@DannyO) February 16, 2015

Osborne is father to a son with former girlfriend Megan Tomlin.

EastEnders viewers have recently seen Jossa's character Lauren discover that she is also expecting a baby.

She wont be in any live parts this week so

Any talk of her return to filming?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tammyy2j

Any talk of her return to filming?

---

She's been seen back at Elstree recently but nobody knows if she was just visiting or if she filmed some scenes. I don't think she's back full time yet.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Dazzle

She's been seen back at Elstree recently but nobody knows if she was just visiting or if she filmed some scenes. I don't think she's back full time yet.

---

I would a surprise return for her for one or two episodes threatening Ian and Jane to get Max out or she will tell all

I keep waiting for Carol or Stacey to call her about Max

Ian and Jane haven't mentioned her and Peter or even if she had the baby

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tammyy2j

I would a surprise return for her for one or two episodes threatening Ian and Jane to get Max out or she will tell all

---

That would be good. :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tammyy2j

Ian and Jane haven't mentioned her and Peter or even if she had the baby

---

Jane's mentioned talking to Peter via skype, so I think the Beales must be in regular contact with him. It's unlikely they'd tell him they were allowing Max to take the fall though.

I don't even know if their families know about the baby as they didn't say anything before they left.

max knew lauren was up the duffy

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by lizann

max knew lauren was up the duffy

---

She went to have an abortion though, but Peter turned up and talked her out of it. As far as I can recall, neither Lauren nor Peter were shown telling anyone about the baby after that.
I remember when they left I was unsure if anyone else knew that she was still pregnant.

Lauren destroyed the evidence she had that showed Bobby murdered Lucy.