Tanya Franks is best known for playing Rainie Highway in EastEnders, a role she has enjoyed since 2007.
Originally introduced as Rainie Cross, she’s the wife of Stuart Highway and former wife of Max Branning.
Initially, her character was a drug addict so a lot of her storylines on the show focused on the relationship with her sister Tanya Branning and the drama that followed Rainie whenever she came to Walford.
Aside from EastEnders Tanya has also been in other hit shows such as Family Affairs, The Bill and Broadchurch.
The 54-year-old is married to fellow actor James Barriscale, who fans may also recognise from ‘Enders.
(Image: Getty Images)
The couple has in fact appeared onscreen together on multiple occasions.
James, 52, played the character of Gabriel Kent in The Bill, the adopted brother of David Kent while Tanya played DI Rowanne Morell.
James also appeared in five episodes of EastEnders, playing Jonathan Malnet, the adoptive father of Jade Green (formerly Roya Masood) who was introduced as a regular character through her appearances with Jonathan.
(Image: BBC / Kieron McCarron)
Though James and Tanya never shared any scenes together they would have been on set at the same time, in around 2015.
James has also been in films such as The Death of Stalin and Terminator: Dark Fate.
The pair have no children, it is reported, and live in Kent. Tanya doesn’t drink alcohol and has also given up wheat and sugar.
(Image: ITV)
She told the Mirror: “I had friends who were giving up alcohol and I didn’t want to drink when I was with them.
“And I’d started feeling lethargic on long days filming, and wondered if it was something I was eating. So I gave up lots of things. I’ve never looked back.”
(Image: BBC, BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Tanya is also a keen gardener and added: “I’ve only just learned to look after a flower, never mind a pet.”
For more of the latest showbiz news from Daily Star, make sure you sign up to one of our newsletters here.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
