Zoe Lucker swaps the glamour of Footballers Wifes for depressing Walford

[alan45]

Pity Walford FC wasnt still in existence

[Siobhan]

I loved her in Bad Girls.. never seen her in Footballers wifes

[lizann]

She is a great actress from FW, Bad Girls and Holby Blue a good addition to the cast

I also think Max is attractive

[lizann]

EastEnders newcomer Zöe Lucker has signed a new contract with the BBC soap, Digital Spy can exclusively reveal.

The 36-year-old - who first appeared as glamourous businesswoman Vanessa Gold on Friday evening - initially penned a seven-episode deal, but bosses are said to be so impressed by her performance that they couldn't not ask her to make a more permanent comeback.

Speaking exclusively to Digital Spy, Lucker said: "I've just signed a new contract - It's great, I'm so pleased."

She continued: "Vanessa was brought in to make Max realise that he still loves Tanya, while brightening up his life in the process. By the end of my first seven episodes, Vanessa's presence prompts Max to go and visit Tanya."

Vanessa - who also arrived on the Square with her daughter Jodie - disappears for a few months, before making her return.

Of her comeback story, Lucker insisted: "I genuinely know nothing! But I trust Bryan and the writers so much that I'm really looking forward to it."

On screen, numerous references have been made to Vanessa's husband of 20 years - and father to Jodie - Harry Gold.

A show source said: "It's a classic soap strategy to plant seeds in viewers' minds about a character months before we meet them - you only have to look at what they did with Archie Mitchell. No doubt Harry will find his way to the Square in the hope of learning what Vanessa's been up to."

[Perdita]

Zöe Lucker has revealed that fans often remind her of her stint in Footballers' Wives.

The 36-year-old actress portrayed superbitch Tanya Turner in the ITV1 drama, which she starred in for five series between 2002 and 2006.

"There isn't a day goes by that someone doesn't want to talk to me about Tanya, but that feels like a privilege still," she told Radio Times.

"At some point, everyone accepts there are certain roles that people want to cast you in, and I'm happy that mine are roles in which I get to wear fantastic frocks and, more importantly, play strong, determined women," the star added.

Lucker now plays Max Branning's love interest Vanessa Gold in BBC One soap EastEnders.

[Perdita]

Zöe Lucker has revealed that she is excited by the prospect of her EastEnders alter ego Vanessa Gold losing "everything".

Speaking to Radio Times, the actress - who was only recently cast as Max Branning's love interest in the serial - pondered whether Vanessa will be able to "maintain her glamour".

She said: "Obviously I love it that Vanessa is strong and stylish and moneyed, but what if she couldn't maintain her glamour?"

Lucker added: "What if she lost everything? The thought of that really excites me!"

[tammyy2j]

EastEnders star Zöe Lucker has revealed that she is keen for her character's relationship with Max Branning to stay strong in the months ahead.

The actress's alter ego Vanessa Gold began a romance with Max (Jake Wood) back in the summer, but the pair have faced many obstacles in recent weeks due to Vanessa's estranged husband Harry and his thirst for revenge.

Speaking to Digital Spy at Sunday night's Variety Club Showbiz Awards in London, Lucker said of EastEnders: "I've been there since April, so it started off as a little stint and it's grown into something a lot bigger.

"I'm loving it. I love working with Jake Wood and the rest of the cast - they've all been so lovely, and I love playing that character, so it's great."

Asked whether she would like Vanessa to move on from Max and pursue another Albert Square resident, she replied: "No, I don't think so - I hope things work out between those guys! I think they're a really lovely couple - I hope it works out for them."

[Dutchgirl]

EastEnders star Zöe Lucker has revealed that she is keen for her character's relationship with Max Branning to stay strong in the months ahead.

The actress's alter ego Vanessa Gold began a romance with Max (Jake Wood) back in the summer, but the pair have faced many obstacles in recent weeks due to Vanessa's estranged husband Harry and his thirst for revenge.

Speaking to Digital Spy at Sunday night's Variety Club Showbiz Awards in London, Lucker said of EastEnders: "I've been there since April, so it started off as a little stint and it's grown into something a lot bigger.

"I'm loving it. I love working with Jake Wood and the rest of the cast - they've all been so lovely, and I love playing that character, so it's great."

Asked whether she would like Vanessa to move on from Max and pursue another Albert Square resident, she replied: "No, I don't think so - I hope things work out between those guys! I think they're a really lovely couple - I hope it works out for them."

She is to classy to be with any other resident of the square.

[sean slater]

I want Max and Vanessa to stay together as well. I don't know wot it is about Tanya right now, but she is a lot less fiesty than I have seen her in the past. I am not that excited to see her back anymore. For ages i wanted Max and Tanya to reunite and now I think Vanessa is a better version lol. Vanessa all the way!

[alan45]

EastEnders character Vanessa Gold will reportedly attack Tanya Jessop when she discovers her affair with fiancé Max Branning.

Vanessa (Zoe Lucker) will storm into Tanya's home and punch her, resulting in the pair fighting on the floor in front of Tanya's son Oscar and husband Greg.

The News of the World suggests that Tanya (Jo Joyner) will end the affair after Max's brother Jack (Scott Maslen) finds out. Max (Jake Wood) dumps Vanessa and confesses all, leading to the fight.

"She hunts Tanya down to her house and forces her way in before attacking her," a source said. "There is nothing like a woman scorned but Tanya doesn't take it lying down. She gives back as good as she gets. It leaves little Oscar in a right state."

However, the Daily Star Sunday claims that Vanessa only discovers the affair when Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) decides she deserves to know the truth, following Max's promises that no-one else is involved in their split.

"Everyone remembers how Lauren exposed Max's affair with Stacey Slater - it was one of the soap's most dramatic episodes ever," another source said.

"So bosses decided it would be brilliant if she ruined her dad's love life all over again by telling Vanessa he's a cheat."

The scenes will air later this summer.