Madeline Duggan is "very glad" she was replaced by Jacqueline Jossa on ‘EastEnders’.
The 26-year-old actress – who is now working part-time in a doctor’s surgery – played Lauren Branning from 2006 to 2016 when her successor took on the role.
Reflecting on her departure after the 2007 Christmas special was re-aired on the BBC this week, she said: "Unmmmmmmm I understand it more now lol I looked like a baby in that ep and I was tiny and didn’t grow (still only 5’2).
"I get that they wanted someone older to play different story lines & I’m very glad it happened. (sic)"
Madeline explained she was grateful for the chance "to do other things" while still enjoying her teenage years without being in the limelight.
She added: "I was very young and it give me options to do other things and get an American agent and enjoy some teenage life without being on screen lol worked out for the best.(sic)"
Madeline recently revealed she was working in a GP earlier this year, as she opened up about people avoiding surgeries because of the coronavirus pandemic.
In March, she tweeted: "I know this because I work in a doctors surgery part time (because being an out of work actress doesn’t pay lol)
"So many patients are refusing to go to A&e & thinking our GPs can fix everything over the phone.
"If your GP says go to the hospital it’s for good reason. (sic)"
Fans were happy to see her back on screen this week, with one describing her as the "real" Lauren.
They wrote: "You will always be the ‘real’ Lauren character and it was great to see you again. (sic)"
And another added: "Well done! You and Lorna [Fitzgerald, who was Abi Branning] were so good. Brought back memories. (sic)"