You’d be hard pushed to find an EastEnders fan who wouldn’t like to see Jo Joyner make a comeback as Walford’s Tanya Branning.
But it seems fans of the London-based soap might have a bit of a wait on their hands as Jo has admitted that she won’t be returning to Albert Square any time soon.
However, the optimist in us has got our fingers crossed after the actress didn’t completely rule out a return during a chat on ITV’s Lorraine this morning…
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Jo stated: “Never say never” – before admitting that if she did make a comeback it wouldn’t be until next year at the earliest thanks to other work commitments.
“I’m going straight to Shakespeare and Hathaway next. It’s a lovely little show I do up in Warwickshire. That’s up until Christmas, so I wont be there (at EastEnders) for now.”
Fans have loved seeing Jo dip back into her role as Tanya over the years.
She made a comeback for the soap’s live episode to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of EastEnders, and then reprised the role of Tanya last Christmas when on-screen daughters Abi and Lauren fell from the roof of The Vic.
She also came back for Abi’s death scenes a few weeks later, and then again for the funeral.
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There is always plenty of scope for Tanya to return to the Square, with her sister currently married to her ex husband in an attempt to get custody of baby Abi.
As well as her role as Tanya in EastEnders, Jo is known for her part in Channel 4 drama Ackley Bridge where she plays Mandy Carter.
EastEnders airs Monday and Friday at 8pm and Tuesday and Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One.
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