JACQUELINE Jossa’s fate on EastEnders has been confirmed after the BBC soap aired dramatic Lauren Branning scenes.
It’s been a dramatic week in Walford – with Rose Knight being revealed as Cindy Beale at the end of Wednesday’s episode.
Tonight’s programme saw the drama continue, with Cindy (Michelle Collins) being shown living in France with none other than ex-husband Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt).
Also in the vicinity was their son Peter – with actor Thomas Law reprising the role for the first time since 2010 – and Lauren Branning, played by Jacqueline.
The 30-year-old actress was last seen in EastEnders back in December when she returned for Dot Cotton’s funeral.
Tonight, she was seen arriving to pick up her son Louie – who she shares with Peter – before the on-off couple had a heart to heart about getting back together once more.
At one point they even came close to kissing, but Peter was interrupted by a phone call telling him his dad had suffered a heart attack and was in hospital.
Peter rushed to be by his dad’s side, and Lauren wasn’t far behind, but she got the shock of her life when she heard Cindy say her name.
Having been good friends with Peter’s twin sister Lucy before her death, as well as her history with Peter, Lauren didn’t hold back in giving Cindy a piece of her mind.
She berated her for abandoning her children for a shorter jail sentence, and allowing them to think she was dead when she was really alive and well.
The revelation that Peter knew his mum was alive, coupled with the fact he had admitted to stealing his grandmother Kathy’s money to help Ian was the last straw for Lauren, who realised she could never trust him to be completely honest with her.
While the episode made it clear that Lauren will not be returning to Walford any time soon and that this was a one-off episode, The Sun Online understands the door remains open for a potential return in the future.
Despite this, fans were left over the moon at Lauren’s return to the show.
Writing online, one fan exclaimed their shock as they said: “Now THAT was a surprise. Welcome back Lauren.”
Another added: It’s great to see Lauren and Peter.”
As a third said: “OMG LAUREN??? NAH THIS KEEPS GETTING BETTER.”
EastEnders airs on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer.
