EastEnders have confirmed the return of Penny Branning in a surprise twist.
Penny, the daughter of Jack Branning (played by Scott Maslen), hasn’t been seen on the soap for 15 years. As fans will recall she moved to France with mum Selina (Daisy Beaumont).
During her time in Albert Square, Penny had a troubled relationship with copper dad Jack. She was also left paralysed from the waist down when one of his criminal associates ran her down and left her for dead.
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After spending three months in the square, Penny went on to live permanently with her mum in France. The character was last mentioned in an argument between Jack and Max Branning in 2020.
(Image: BBC)
But now more than 10 years since the character appeared on the soap, Penny is coming back – and she’ll be played by an entirely new actress. What’s more, she’s not the only Branning making a return too.
Mia McKenna-Bruce, who is now starring in the acclaimed film How to Have Sex, played Penny back in the day. But the character has been recast and Kitty Castledine will now be taking on the role.
(Image: BBC)
Speaking of joining the show, Kitty said: “I didn’t expect to start my EastEnders journey so soon out of drama school – I can’t actually believe it! My whole family are EastEnders fans, and I remember sitting on my Nanny Kay’s lap to tune in, and now they get to watch me in Albert Square.
“The inclusion of disabled talent on screen is so important to me as a wheelchair user, so I’m thrilled to be playing a character as feisty and cool as Penny. She’s thrown into the middle of the drama straight away, and I can’t wait to see what she gets up to.”
EastEnders Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw said: “It’s been a long time since Penny Branning was in Walford, and she’s a very different person from the one our viewers might remember. Kitty is a terrific addition to the show, and we’re looking forward to seeing Penny back in Albert Square.”
(Image: BBC)
Reacting to the news of Penny being recast, over on X, formerly known as Twitter, one person said: “Another recast as always makes you think do they even try to get back the original.”
Someone else added: “Really… at what point can you just focus on the characters you have now instead of being old characters back every couple of months… it really repetitive and dull when it’s overdone like this.”
Other fans were excited to see her back. One follower penned: “I forgot about Penny Jack’s daughter. So excited for this.”
Someone else gushed: “Oh wow I’ve always thought that Penny should come back! Another Branning! Plus I absolutely cannot wait to see Lauren back on the square.”
(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
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It’s believed Penny will be returning to the square with cousin Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa). The news of Jacqueline’s return was confirmed last month.
The soap star left EastEnders five years ago in pursuit of other projects – which saw her become I’m A Celeb’s Queen of the Jungle and land a deal with InTheStyle. But she is finally returning as she declared she’s excited to “come home”.
Jacqueline told The Sun on Sunday that she’s “really excited” and thinks it’s an “amazing time to be back”. She added: “Walford holds a special place in my heart, so it really does feel like coming home.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
