Finding Strength in Her Thirties

EastEnders favourite Jacqueline Jossa has revealed how entering her thirties brought an unexpected wave of self-assurance. Speaking to Closer magazine, the actress, best known for playing Lauren Branning, admitted that reaching the milestone marked a turning point in how she views herself.

“I don’t know what’s happened to me, but since I reached my thirties, I’m having a moment!” she confessed. “I love it. I feel great and I’m just more confident. I used to be a very scared person. I would get intimidated in big groups and try to mask it by being bubbly and chatty.”

A Familiar Face with a New Outlook

Since first stepping into Albert Square in 2010, Jossa has become one of the most recognisable stars in British soap. Over the years, Lauren Branning has been at the heart of countless explosive storylines — from family feuds to heartbreak and betrayal.

Her honesty about past insecurities struck a chord with fans, especially given her success both on and off screen. Despite her fame, Jossa revealed that confidence didn’t always come easily, admitting she used to rely on humour to disguise her nerves.

From Queen of the Jungle to Soap Royalty

After leaving EastEnders in 2017, Jossa’s career took an exciting turn when she joined the cast of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2019. Her warmth and resilience won over millions of viewers, and she was ultimately crowned Queen of the Jungle, defeating Coronation Street’s Andy Whyment in a nail-biting final.

Her return to EastEnders in 2022 for a brief guest appearance quickly reignited fans’ calls for her comeback. Less than a year later, the BBC confirmed that Jossa would rejoin the soap full-time, a move that delighted longtime viewers.

Drama and Decisions in Walford

In recent episodes, Lauren Branning’s life has been anything but calm. Torn over whether to marry her fiancé Peter Beale (played by Thomas Law), Lauren’s cold feet led to emotional confrontations and tense family scenes. Despite the doubts, she ultimately walked down the aisle — though fans are already wondering whether the newlyweds can truly make it work.

A Star Embracing Her Next Chapter

Now 32, Jossa appears more self-assured than ever. With her confidence blooming and her character back in the spotlight, she seems ready to embrace both the chaos of Walford and the calm of her own personal growth.