EastEnders has given fans a first look at Jacqueline Jossa's emotional return to the BBC soap.
Jacqueline has reprised her role as Lauren Branning for the first time since 2018, and it's see her reunite with her family in Walford this week.
But sadly it's come in the wake of heartbreaking news as Lauren has come back to say goodbye to her late grandmother Dot Cotton.
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News of Dot's death rocked The Square in recent episodes following the passing of EastEnders icon June Brown in April this year – and now Walford residents are in mourning.
Soap legend June passed away aged 95 after more than 30 years of playing Dot in the soap, so EastEnders is paying a powerful on-screen tribute to Dot with soap stars like Jacqueline returning for the final farewell.
New spoiler pictures have revealed the moment Lauren arrives back home for Dot's funeral and greets Sonia with a bouquet of flowers on the doorstep.
The two characters share an emotional hug before Lauren reunites with the rest of her hearbtroken family members.
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A second snap shows Lauren in the Square ready to pay her respects to Dot.
Jacqueline confirmed her comeback for Dot's funeral earlier this year, joining five other former stars who have returned for the funeral episodes – including Lord Michael Cashman CBE who plays Colin Russell.
She said: "Coming back to EastEnders for Dot's funeral was a no-brainer, and it was a real honour to be invited back. I had a lot of fun but, of course, it was bittersweet. It was amazing to be back, but hard to be filming this storyline.
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"I can tell the viewers now that Dot gets the beautiful send-off that she deserves. June was the light and joy of EastEnders.
"I had so much fun working with her, the incredible stories and how infectious & witty she was. June is a legend and I miss her very much."
She also hinted she'll provide insight into the other members of the Branning family.
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Jacqueline added: "She’s still the same old Lauren, but maybe grown up a little bit! I think she’ll be able to provide some updates about other members of the Branning family!
"Hopefully, Lauren coming home is something positive and light. Obviously, Lauren is upset to lose Grandma Dot, but it’s a bittersweet feeling to be back."
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