Who plays Tanya Branning in EastEnders, why did Jo Joyner leave Albert Square and what else has the actress been in?
The actress left the BBC soap in 2013 – but she has made occasional returns to Albert Square
SHE was one of the fan favourites during her time playing Tanya Branning on EastEnders and many were sad to see her go.
But in recent weeks Jo Joyner made a recent comeback for a showdown with her ex-husband Max. Here's what you need to know about the star.
Who plays Tanya Branning in EastEnders?
Max Branning’s long-suffering ex-wife is portrayed by actress Jo Joyner.
She was first introduced on the soap in June 2006 shortly after husband Max, played by Jake Wood, arrived on the Square.
During her time in Walford, Tanya was part of many storylines including owning her own salon called Booty, having a third child, divorcing and then burying Max alive, marrying again but then starting an affair with Max, being diagnosed with cervical cancer and discovering that Max has a secret wife.
Tanya left the Square in June 2013 but returned in February 2015 for two episodes as part of the soap’s 30th anniversary special, and surprised fans by appearing over Christmas 2017 in dramatic scenes.
Jo won the British Soap Award for Best Dramatic Performance in 2008 and 2012.
Why did Jo leave the soap?
In 2012, it was reported that Jo would be taking an extended break to spend time with her family although a source said she would definitely be returning.
However, in 2013, she announced that she would be leaving for good and said: “I love playing Tanya and being part of such a great show, but she has been on quite a rollercoaster over the past seven years and I have come to realise that it's right for her to step away from Walford for a bit longer than originally planned.
“I have been very fortunate to have been part of some fantastic storylines over the years, and I have worked with some wonderful people during my time on the show which I will always be very grateful for, but I feel that as a mother and an actress it is time for me to explore some other avenues for a while."
What else has Jo been in?
Jo has starred in many drama series and sitcoms including bit parts in Heartbeat, Doctor Who, Clocking Off and Spooks before she joined EastEnders.
After she left the soap she starred in Candy Cabs, Trying Again and Ordinary Lies.
She was also a series regular in the Sky 1 show Mount Pleasant.