EastEnders Star Jo Joyner Hints at Possible Tanya Branning Return
Jo Joyner Keeps the Door Open
EastEnders fans may have reason to get excited as Jo Joyner, who famously plays Tanya Branning, hinted at a potential return to Albert Square. The 48-year-old actress, who first joined the BBC soap in 2006, has appeared intermittently over the years, most recently returning briefly over Christmas 2018 for her daughter Abi’s death.
Speaking on Amy Hart’s Mum’s Club podcast, Joyner adopted a “never say never” approach to revisiting the role, acknowledging that while she has a busy schedule this year, she hasn’t ruled out stepping back onto the Square.
Iconic Storylines and Fan Favorites
During her original run, Joyner was central to some of EastEnders’ most memorable storylines. One highlight came in a Christmas special where Tanya discovered her husband Max had been having an affair with Stacey Slater. “That Christmas special was a real testament to great writing and investment in stories and characters,” Joyner reflected. “Without good writing, it’s all nothing.”
Her time on the show has been marked by drama, emotional twists, and complex family dynamics, making Tanya a fan favorite. Now, with Zoe Slater back on the show and her secret relationship with Max revealed, fans are speculating that a Tanya return could bring further fireworks.
Why Jo Left EastEnders
Joyner has spoken candidly about why she stepped away from the BBC soap. She explained to the Sunday Mirror that after long stints in drama, she seeks roles in comedy to avoid burnout. “You can’t just do it constantly for years in misery, otherwise you end up with a Walford frown. It gets to you,” she said.
Her decision to leave wasn’t due to storylines or conflicts with the show, and EastEnders bosses reportedly left the door open for her return. In a 2023 interview with The Sun’s TV Mag, Joyner reiterated that she enjoys exploring new projects but remains open to revisiting her iconic role.
EastEnders Cast Changes
Jo’s openness comes amid a flurry of cast changes in EastEnders. In recent years, several actors have left for Hollywood or other ventures, including Rob Kazinsky (Sean Slater), Ben Hardy (Bobby Beale), Michelle Ryan (Zoe Slater), and Clay Milner Russell (Bobby Beale). Even veteran characters like Martin Fowler (James Bye) have faced speculation about exits due to storyline frustrations.
Some former cast members, like Michelle Collins, have returned for high-profile story arcs, showing that comebacks are possible and can be lucrative. Fans are increasingly hoping that Jo might follow a similar path, reuniting with her on-screen family and reigniting classic drama.
Looking Ahead
While Joyner has not confirmed any return, her comments leave fans with hope. She shared a playful anecdote about seeing Jake Wood (Max Branning) on set recently and noticing how tall her son Oscar has grown, hinting at the possibility of family-centered storylines if she were to return.
“Never say never,” she said. “I’ve got a lot on this year, so no, not this year—but you never know.” For fans longing to see Tanya back in Walford, these words are enough to keep speculation alive.
Whether it’s a dramatic Christmas special, a major family twist, or simply an emotional reunion, the door remains ajar for Tanya Branning’s next adventure.