Jacqueline Jossa found fame as troubled teen Lauren Branning on EastEnders after joining the soap back in 2010, staying until her exit in 2018.
During her eight years on the soap, Lauren went through a lot of drama, including a battle of alcoholism, a shock pregnancy and an illicit love triangle.
But whilst Max Branning’s eldest daughter Lauren is well-known to EastEnders fans, some viewers may not know that Jacqueline’s younger cousin appeared on the soap before her.
Megan Jossa appeared as Courtney Mitchell, the daughter of Grant and Tiffany Mitchell, back in 2006 when she was just 11 years old.
Megan Jossa appeared as Courtney Mitchell on EastEnders back in 2006 (Image: MEGAN JOSSA as Courtney Mitchell.)
The talented tot appeared on the square for 24 episodes, and was even nominated for a Best Young Actor Award for her role.
London-born Megan, now 25, is still in the acting business and has appeared in a number of TV shows, including The Take and Stage School, as well as appearing on The Bill and a West End production.
She played Grant and Tiffany Mitchell’s daughter for 24 episodes (Image: BBC)
Four years after her exit to Portugal, the role of Lauren was taken over by Jacqueline to replace original actress Madeline Duggan.
Lauren is now living in New Zealand with her son Louie, and her dad Max (Jake Wood) has also since left the soap after 16 years.
Whilst Lauren’s younger sister Abi was tragically killed off after they both fell off the roof of the Queen Vic, the older sister could still make a return.
Jacqueline auditioned to be Lauren Branning years later (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes)
Jacqueline, who went on to win the 2019 series of I’m A Celebrity, has often been asked if she would ever return back to the soap world to reprise her role.
The star has confirmed she is open to coming back, telling MailOnline: “I absolutely love EastEnders, love the people, the production and I absolutely love Lauren Branning with all my heart.
“It doesn’t feel like it was a goodbye forever, definitely not, well not from my end anyway. I would love to go back someday.
“I could hobble back in on my walking stick one day.”
When asked if her return could be in less than five years, she replied: “I think that sounds better than me going back tomorrow, yes.”
EastEnders continues on Monday at 8.05pm on BBC.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
