Jacqueline Jossa grits her teeth as she’s handcuffed by cops in first look at explosive EastEnders return

JACQUELINE Jossa is handcuffed by cops in a dramatic first look at Lauren Branning's explosive return to EastEnders.

Her extraordinary comeback comes five years after mum-of-two Jacqueline quit the BBC soap.

The 30-year-old star - who won I'm A Celebrity during her time away - returns to EastEnders with Jack Branning’s daughter Penny who is back in Walford after 15 years of living abroad.

And Penny - played by newcomer Kitty Castledine - is seen looking on in shock as Lauren is stopped by police in the airport terminal.

Lauren is also less than pleased when she's approached by cops as a sniffer dog circles her blue hand luggage.

She argues through gritted teath and fights back as burly officers grab hold of her arms.

Jacqueline admitted she couldn't wait to return to filming, and told The Sun on Sunday: 'I'm really excited.

"It's such an amazing time to be back as there is so much buzz around EastEnders at the moment. I've been watching and loving it like a fan.

"Walford holds a special place in my heart, so it really does feel like coming home."

Back in June Lauren was reintroduced to viewers when Cindy  (Michelle Collins) was shown to be 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.

Lauren 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.

Before that, Lauren made a brief appearance in EastEnders in December 2022 when she returned for Dot Cotton's funeral.

Penny was previously played by actress Mia McKenna- Bruce, now 24, in 2008.

The character has been living in France with her mum Selina after struggling to get on with dad Jack.

The Sun revealed last week how EastEnders newcomer Kitty has just graduated from drama school and has a very famous mum.