JACQUELINE Jossa has broken her silence on EastEnders’ Lauren Branning’s return after filming Dot’s funeral scenes.
The actress – who is set to return to Albert Square for scenes later this year – has weighed in on whether she will return permanently.
Lauren Branning is set to return for the funeral
She told fans she “didn’t know” what she could say
Jac, 29, took to Instagram to reveal she had read messages from fans begging for her to return to the BBC One soap.
Breaking her silence on the role, she told fans she “doesn’t know what she’s allowed to say” but thanked her followers for their support.
“I see all your lovely messages, but I don’t know what I’m allowed to say, so I’m saying nothing, but I love yous,” she wrote over a selfie.
It comes after it was revealed that Jac made a sensational return to EastEnders to film scenes for Dot Branning’s emotional funeral.
The soap actress, who last starred in Albert Square four years ago, was back at the soap’s studios last week for the character’s send-off.
Her return was part of a special tribute episode to June Brown, who played Dot for 35 years.
A horse-drawn hearse with Dot’s name in a floral tribute was seen being taken into the Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, Herts.
A source said: “Bosses got in touch with Jacq about returning for Dot’s special episode and she was more than happy to come back. She was back last week filming her little guest stint.”
Jacqueline, who went on to win I’m A Celebrity in 2019, spent eight years on the soap as Lauren Branning.
Her character left Walford in February 2018 following the death of her sister Abi, played by Lorna Fitzgerald, 26.
Jacqueline is expected to appear in a couple of episodes before her character returns to New Zealand.
The move paves the way for a permanent return for the mum of two – which fans have been calling for on social media.
Dot was a huge part of the Branning family after she married Jim, played by John Bardon, in 2002.
The source added: “EastEnders bosses are pulling out all the stops to show just how much June was loved by the cast and crew.
“She was a huge part of EastEnders and her legacy will live on in Albert Square forever. She will never be forgotten.
“Without giving anything away the script is beautiful and what she would have wanted.
“It was an incredibly hard couple of days on set as she was so loved.
“But everyone was determined to give June and Dot the send off she deserved. There will be quite a few old faces returning for the episode.”
June, who played Dot from 1985 to 2020, died in April aged 95.
June, who played Dot Cotton, passed away in April
