EastEnders responds to calls for Jo Joyner return as Tanya Cross amid Branning reunions
Can we hope to see the former Mrs Branning back on Albert Square?
The Branning clan on Albert Square is growing once again in EastEnders.
Alongside Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) and his youngest children Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd) and Ricky Branning (Frankie Day), the return of cousins Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) and Penny Branning (Kitty Castledine) in 2024, followed by Lauren's brother Oscar Branning (Pierre Moullier) earlier this year, and now her estranged father Max Branning (Jake Wood) this week, the Brannings are back at the centre of the action as one of the key families in Walford.
However, one person who remains absent but is often mentioned is Max's ex-wife and the mother of Lauren and Oscar, Tanya Cross (Jo Joyner).
Originally appearing as a regular character from 2006 to 2013, Tanya was last seen struggling outside the funeral of her and Max's youngest daughter, Abi Branning (Lorna Fitzgerald), during a guest appearance in 2018.
Tanya has been mentioned recently as she's washed her hands of troubled son Oscar, while Max revealed in flashbacks to Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) that their granddaughter Abi Branning Jr. is staying with her now.
Of course, Joyner remains a very busy actress and is often on our screens, but could we dare to hope for a return for the beloved Tanya?
Speaking at a press event on the set of the soap, executive producer Ben Wadey remained full of praise for Joyner but did note there was already an embarrassment of riches in the cast.
Responding to my question on a potential Tanya return, Wadey laughed: "We've just given you Max and Zoe!"
He did continue: "Yeah, I mean, Jo's amazing, isn't she? We've also got an amazing cast with brilliant performances that deserve and need stories..."
Actor Scott Maslen then humorously interjected: "We need a bit of naughty Max first, don't we? Yeah, we need him back for a while and let her come and sort him out."
So, we're not letting our hope of a Tanya comeback die just yet!
There's certainly enough drama on the way for Walford in the meantime...
Read more:
- EastEnders boss Ben Wadey reveals old spin-off Kat & Alfie: Redwater exists in "parallel universe"
- EastEnders star confirms Stacey Slater and Max Branning have "unfinished business" as her exit approaches
- EastEnders star teases Jack and Ravi storyline in shooting aftermath
- Who is the father of Zoe Slater's secret children in EastEnders? Anthony Trueman and other possibilities
- EastEnders teases feud for Max Branning return with another iconic character
- EastEnders' new boss teases dramatic reunion for old rivals Sharon Watts and Zoe Slater
- EastEnders star confirms filming break: “I won't be on it for a while”
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Lewis is the News and Trends Editor at Radio Times and leads our approach to news, reactive content, and serving audience demands and interests. An obsessive fan of television and film, Lewis is a Nicole Kidman fanatic with a side of passion for science-fiction, art-house cinema and the latest HBO drama. Lewis has a degree in Psychology and a Masters in Film Studies. After working in advertising, Lewis worked at The Mirror for three years in community management and SEO, showbiz, film and television reporting.
