Tanya's back for Live Week

During the EastEnders anniversary week, it is not just 30 years that the show will be celebrating – as Ian and Jane are set to tie the knot. However, one person Jane needs there is her best friend, Tanya Cross.

Last seen in Walford in 2013, Tanya left after realising that her toxic relationship with ex-husband Max was poisoning their children, with her eldest daughter, Lauren, turning to alcohol. Tanya’s return to Walford will be for two episodes in the EastEnders live week.

Jo Joyner has been involved in some of EastEnders most memorable moments, most notably when she found out that her husband Max Branning was having an affair with his daughter-in-law Stacey on Christmas Day 2007. Jo won numerous awards for her portrayal of Tanya, including Best Actress and Best on Screen partnership with Jake Wood at the British Soap Awards in 2012.

Speaking of returning to EastEnders for two episodes in the special anniversary week, Jo said “I'm thrilled to be a part of the 30 year celebrations of a show that I am proud to have been a part of. One of the best things about soap is that it’s steeped in history, we all had a generation of characters that we grew up with, mine were 'Chelle and Sharon and Tiff and Bianca! It's great that people can pop back in and help create that depth to the show. I'm really looking forward to working with everyone again, no matter how briefly. I hope I didn't kill Lucy!"

Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Executive Producer adds “Tanya is one of EastEnders’ most beloved characters, played by one of the best actresses the show has been lucky to have. Tanya and Max’s rows were legendary and it’s going to be thrilling to watch Jo Joyner and Jake Wood go head-to-head again – but this time, live”.

Jo Joyner has appeared in numerous TV shows since leaving EastEnders, including BBC One’s upcoming dramas Ordinary Lies and The Interceptor.