EastEnders responds to calls for Jo Joyner return as Tanya Cross amid Branning reunions

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The Branning clan on Albert Square is growing once again in EastEnders.

2024 saw the comeback of Jack Branning’s children Amy Mitchell and Ricky Branning, along with cousins Lauren Branning and Penny Branning. Earlier this year, Lauren’s brother Oscar Branning made an appearance as well. This week, the estranged father Max Branning also returned. The Branning family is once again at the heart of the drama in Walford, playing a significant role among the key families.

While Max’s ex-wife and mother of Lauren and Oscar, Tanya Cross (Jo Joyner), isn’t physically present in the story, she is frequently referred to.

Initially, from 2006 to 2013, Tanya was a recurring character. Her most recent appearance was at the funeral of her and Max’s youngest daughter, Abi Branning (played by Lorna Fitzgerald), during a special guest role in 2018, where she was shown in distress outside the funeral venue.

Tanya was brought up in conversation because she has distanced herself from her problematic son, Oscar. Meanwhile, it was disclosed through past events to Zoe Slater (played by Michelle Ryan) that their great-granddaughter, Abi Branning Jr., is currently residing with Max instead.

Absolutely, despite Joyner’s hectic acting schedule that frequently keeps her on our screens, might there be a possibility of Tanya making a comeback, much to our delight?

During a press gathering on the soap opera’s set, executive producer Ben Wadey continued to shower Joyner with compliments, yet he also mentioned that the cast was already abundantly talented.

In response to your query about Tanya possibly returning, Wadey chuckled, implying that they have recently introduced Max and Zoe instead.

He went on to say, “Absolutely, Jo is simply remarkable, don’t you think? Our outstanding cast delivers exceptional performances that truly merit compelling narratives.

Later on, Scott Maslen added playfully, “Don’t we need a dose of mischievous Max for a bit? Yes, it’s time to bring him back and let her straighten 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…

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2025-09-06 23:34