Former ‘EastEnders’ actress Jo Joyner is to return for the soap’s upcoming 30th anniversary.
The 37-year-old star – who plays Max Branning’s (Jake Wood) ex-wife Tanya Cross – will return to Albert Square for her best friend Jane Clarke’s (Laurie Brett) wedding to Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt).
And while she’s excited about her upcoming appearance, Jo has confessed she’s worried she will be unveiled as Ian’s daughter Lucy Beale’s (Hetti Bywater) killer during the live flashback episode.
She said: "I’m thrilled to be a part of the 30 year celebrations of a show that I am proud to have been a part of. One of the best thing about soap is that it’s stepped in history, we all had a generation of characters that we grew up with, mine were ‘Chelle and Sharon and Tiff and Bianca!
"It’s great that people can pop back in and help create that depth to the show. I’m really looking forward to working with everyone again, no matter how briefly. I hope I didn’t kill Lucy!"
Tanya was last seen in Walford in 2013 when she decided to leave London so that her and Max’s toxic relationship would no longer affect their children following daughter Lauren’s (Jacqueline Jossa) struggles with alcohol addiction.
Jo – who has featured in some of the BBC One soap’s most memorable storylines – will return for two episodes during the 30th anniversary live week.
Executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins said: "Tanya is one of EastEnders’ most beloved characters, played by one of the best actresses the show has been lucky to have. Tanya and Max’s rows were legendary and it’s going to be thrilling to watch Jo Joyner and Jake Wood go head-to-head again -but this time, live."
Jo Joyner returning for EastEnders’ 30th anniversary
