Latest news with #LaurenBranning
Daily Mail
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Controversial comedian bags role on EastEnders after pleading with BBC bosses for a whopping 37 years - gushing 'it's an honour' ahead of Walford debut
A controversial comedian bagged herself a role on EastEnders after pleading with BBC bosses for a whopping 37 years. Funny woman Shazia Mirza, 50 - who has made jokes about ISIS in the past - has gushed that 'it's an honour' to appear on the soap ahead of her Walford debut. Shazia appeared on Thursday's instalment of the BBC show as a doctor talking to Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) and Peter Beale (Thomas Law) about her son Jimmy's condition Optic Nerve and Chorioretinal coloboma. Little did some know that the star has been desperate to take part in the programme for a number of years. After her debut, she took to Instagram to share a picture of a letter that the Beeb had sent her after applying for a role on the show. It said: 'We get so many young people wanting parts on EastEnders, that it is our policy to have to say no. 'We are obliged to use only Equity members in the making of EastEnders. 'We are sorry we have not been able to assist you, but hope you will continue to enjoy the programme.' The next picture of the post was one of her recently starring in the BBC soap. Shazia wrote on Instagram: '37 years ago I wrote to @BBCEastEnders asking for a part and 37 years later I got one. 'EastEnders is working with advice from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) on a storyline where Lauren and Peter's son is diagnosed as severely sight impaired. 'Having struggled to settle baby Jimmy in recent weeks, Lauren becomes concerned by his lack of ability to focus as he struggles to latch during breastfeeding. 'Determined to follow her mother's instinct, Lauren takes Jimmy to the hospital for further tests where the doctors confirm that Jimmy is severely sight impaired. 'The storyline follows Lauren and Peter as they attempt to navigate life with a newborn, the symptoms that Lauren picks up on which leads her to seek a diagnosis, and how the diagnosis will impact Jimmy and their family as a whole. 'It has been an honour to be part of such an important storyline.' Many rushed to the comments section to share their support. 'Wow and the fact that you still have the letter makes it even more brilliant!!' 'you're incredible mA & indefatigable. SO inspiring.' 'Oh my! I LOVE that you wrote asking for a part!!! This is beautiful! Congratulations (and also, a part on Eastenders has always been my dream but thankfully I am hiding my jealousy-to-the-point-of-insanity pretty well).' 'NEVER GIVE UP! Congratulations! I actually thought while watching what a beautiful lady.' 'You were a sensation.' Shazia shot to fame in 2000 and has made a string of controversial jokes over the years. Back in April 2016 Loose Women viewers were left outraged after she joked about ISIS terrorists. Shazia appeared on the ITV panel show to talk about her upcoming tour, which addressed a number of politically-charged issues including terrorism and jihadi brides. When asked about why she thought young girls were leaving the UK for Syria, she jokingly suggested they were fleeing because they thought the male jihadists were 'a bit of alright'. Back in 2023 Shazia hosted a major Labour diversity event after she branded branded ex-Home Secretaries Sajid Javid and Priti Patel 'coconuts' for showing a lack of loyalty to their ethnic communities. The star is a stand-up comedian, but also writes for The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph. Not only that, she's also appeared on The Wright Stuff and F*** Off and I'm A Hairy Woman. Shazia has also dipped her toe into the reality TV realm, appearing on SAS: Who Dares Wins, MasterChef and Celebrity The Island with Bear Grylls.
Metro
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Bad news as EastEnders pulled from TV scheduled for over a week
Coverage of sport games on the BBC will continue to impact the schedule for EastEnders next week. As a result of football and now Wimbledon, the soap will fall victim to airing at a different time, or being pulled from schedules altogether. We're in the beginning part of the Summer of Sport at the moment, which sadly means altercations to broadcasting times for EastEnders, Casualty, as well as Emmerdale and Coronation Street, will continue to happen for quite a few more weeks. Here's everything you need to know about the schedule for EastEnders for the rest of this week, and the next: Wednesday, July 2 – No episodeThursday, July 3 – No episode Friday, July 4 – No episode Monday, July 7 – No episodeTuesday, July 8 – No episodeWednesday, July 9 – One episode at 8pm, and then another at 8: July 10 – One episode at 7pm Friday, July 11 – One episode at 7pm One of the biggest storylines airing next week will involve Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) and Peter Beale (Thomas Law), as they discover sons Louie and Jimmy have disappeared. More Trending Also, Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) attempts to make some quick cash, while Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) makes a decision about Martin Fowler's (James Bye) legacy. This week, Walford residents said goodbye to Bernie Taylor (Clair Norris) and Felix Baker (Matthew Morrison), who decided to leave and start their life again abroad. View More » MORE: All EastEnders spoilers for next week as Alfie twist is confirmed MORE: EastEnders fans are all saying the same thing about Oscar Branning MORE: EastEnders confirms major return after 8 years as star warns fans to 'expect the unexpected'
Wales Online
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
EastEnders star Jacqueline Jossa teases big Christmas and New Year storylines
EastEnders star Jacqueline Jossa teases big Christmas and New Year storylines The 32-year-old actress - who portrays Lauren Branning on the BBC soap - has hinted there will be some exciting developments coming to Albert Square Jacqueline Jossa attends the British Soap awards at Hackney Town Hall (Image: Mike Marsland/WireImage ) 'EastEnders' actress Jacqueline Jossa has teased there will be some "very exciting" storylines for the show this winter. The 32-year-old actress - who portrays Lauren Branning on the BBC soap - has hinted there will be some exciting developments coming to Albert Square in time for Christmas and the New Year. Speaking to The Daily Mirror newspaper, Jacqueline said: "I'm a massive fan of the show. I am so excited for [what's happening], cut to six months time, where the show will be [in six months' time]. "It excites me. You don't know but we know, it's very exciting." Jaqueline added she had heard from a source from 'EastEnders' executive producer Kate Oates that there might be "some returns" lined up. She teased: "I've heard some rumbles. I heard Kate Oates' source say maybe there are gonna be some returns and for me that excites me, whoever it is." Article continues below Jaqueline also addressed the speculation that Jake Wood - who played her on-screen father Max Branning on and off from 2006 to 2021 - would be making a comeback to Walford. She said: "I have seen the rumours. I feel like you would have to ask ['EastEnders' executive producer] Ben [Wadey], I'd love it. They tell us nothing. I feel like they tell me nothing because if they tell me, I will tell the world by accident. "I know nothing. It's Max Branning. I'd love him back but he's super busy. We'll ask Ben, we'll beg Ben." Last month, rumours of Jake's 'EastEnders' return surfaced, with the character reportedly due to tackle some "unfinished business" upon his arrival in Albert Square. A source told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: "Jake's return is huge news for 'EastEnders' fans as his character made a massive mark on the show. "It'll raise some eyebrows after he was absent from the 40th anniversary earlier this year. Bosses are excited about what his character's reappearance means for spicing up the plots. Article continues below "There is plenty to go at. Max has loads of unfinished business in the Square and is set to ruffle some feathers." Oates has also hinted there were big plans for a major return in 'EastEnders'. The executive producer teased: "If you like a return, I don't think you're going to be disappointed because there's potentially one on the cards. We've got some uncharted territory."
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Overwhelmed' Jacqueline Jossa reveals fears over ‘tough' EastEnders' storyline as Lauren Branning's son gets diagnosed
JACQUELINE Jossa has revealed her fears over her 'tough' new EastEnders' storyline. On last night's episode of the long-running BBC One soap, Lauren Branning's baby son Jimmy received a life-changing medical diagnosis. 6 6 6 Lauren brought her newborn to the hospital after she noticed something concerning about his eyes. The consultant ran tests on Jimmy before Peter (Thomas Law) and Lauren were told their son has optic nerve and chorioretinal coloboma. This means that the back of his eyes have not been fully formed which leaves the young tot with severe sight impairment. Jacqueline, 32, took to her Instagram account as she admitted her fears over the storyline. Posting an emotional image of herself in character as Lauren Branning, cradling over her baby, she wrote a short essay on her story. "Wow, your dms, comments and videos have not gone unnoticed I am BLOWN AWAY. I'm very overwhelmed," Jacqueline admitted. "Thank you so so much. Being gifted with this story has been a dream and I've found strength in the story. "This is many people's reality, many people that have dmed me and I feel so lucky to be able to tell a version of your story. "I thought I would find it really really tough but I found it gave me this crazy sense of strength." She added: "I love how Lauren has handled herself through this. Jacqueline Jossa and estranged hubby Dan Osbourne enjoy a 'make or break' Easter holiday together in Mexico "It's so lovely to read all of the DMs and messages, truly I am so thankful." On Tuesday night's dramatic instalment of EastEnders, Lauren was insistent that something was wrong with her baby at the hospital. This was after the receptionist refused to give her an appointment as she was not referred. Alarm bells rang in the Beale household when Lauren went 'missing' after Louie told Peter that he saw his mum taking pills that were kept in the kitchen. Lauren Branning's biggest EastEnders storylines By Conor O'Brien Since debuting in 2006, Lauren Branning's had her fair share of drama in Albert Square. She's been played by two actresses - originally Madeline Duggan and then Jacqueline Jossa from 2010 onwards. Let's take a look back at some of Lauren's biggest EastEnders storylines. Who ran over Max?: Early on in Lauren's tenure, the soap had a whodunnit which saw Max (Jake Wood) run over by an unknown driver. It was later revealed that Lauren, his daughter, was the culprit. Friendships with Lucy Beale and Whitney Dean: Throughout her teenage years, Lauren developed close friendships with both Lucy and Whitney. Both bonds would have ramifications for her later life. She had a son with Lucy's twin brother Peter and also had an affair with Zack (James Farrar) - Whitney's fiancee - prompting her to leave the Square for good. Alcoholism: Lauren began binge drinking to cope with stress from her mum Tanya (Jo Joyner) battling cancer. This later expanded into a long-term addiction storyline. Relationship with Joey Branning: In 2012, Lauren embarked on one of her more controversial storylines - a sexual relationship with Joey Branning (David Witts), her first cousin. He then expressed his fears to his father Ian (Adam Woodyatt) and recovering alcoholic Linda (Kellie Bright). Lauren was left absolutely devastated as she explained it was only folic acid, which is a common medicine for new mums. Peter tried to apologise but the incident left Lauren fearing that they were just not able to move on from her previous addiction problems. Will they be able to come together for the sake of their baby? 6 6 6
Scottish Sun
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Overwhelmed' Jacqueline Jossa reveals fears over ‘tough' EastEnders' storyline as Lauren Branning's son gets diagnosed
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JACQUELINE Jossa has revealed her fears over her 'tough' new EastEnders' storyline. On last night's episode of the long-running BBC One soap, Lauren Branning's baby son Jimmy received a life-changing medical diagnosis. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 Jacqueline Jossa has admitted her fears over her huge new EastEnders storyline Credit: BBC 6 Lauren Branning's son Jimmy received a life-changing medical diagnosis Credit: BBC 6 Lauren and Peter were told their son has optic nerve and chorioretinal coloboma. Credit: BBC Lauren brought her newborn to the hospital after she noticed something concerning about his eyes. The consultant ran tests on Jimmy before Peter (Thomas Law) and Lauren were told their son has optic nerve and chorioretinal coloboma. This means that the back of his eyes have not been fully formed which leaves the young tot with severe sight impairment. Jacqueline, 32, took to her Instagram account as she admitted her fears over the storyline. Posting an emotional image of herself in character as Lauren Branning, cradling over her baby, she wrote a short essay on her story. "Wow, your dms, comments and videos have not gone unnoticed I am BLOWN AWAY. I'm very overwhelmed," Jacqueline admitted. "Thank you so so much. Being gifted with this story has been a dream and I've found strength in the story. "This is many people's reality, many people that have dmed me and I feel so lucky to be able to tell a version of your story. "I thought I would find it really really tough but I found it gave me this crazy sense of strength." She added: "I love how Lauren has handled herself through this. Jacqueline Jossa and estranged hubby Dan Osbourne enjoy a 'make or break' Easter holiday together in Mexico "It's so lovely to read all of the DMs and messages, truly I am so thankful." On Tuesday night's dramatic instalment of EastEnders, Lauren was insistent that something was wrong with her baby at the hospital. This was after the receptionist refused to give her an appointment as she was not referred. Alarm bells rang in the Beale household when Lauren went 'missing' after Louie told Peter that he saw his mum taking pills that were kept in the kitchen. Lauren Branning's biggest EastEnders storylines By Conor O'Brien Since debuting in 2006, Lauren Branning's had her fair share of drama in Albert Square. She's been played by two actresses - originally Madeline Duggan and then Jacqueline Jossa from 2010 onwards. Let's take a look back at some of Lauren's biggest EastEnders storylines. Who ran over Max?: Early on in Lauren's tenure, the soap had a whodunnit which saw Max (Jake Wood) run over by an unknown driver. It was later revealed that Lauren, his daughter, was the culprit. Early on in Lauren's tenure, the soap had a whodunnit which saw Max (Jake Wood) run over by an unknown driver. It was later revealed that Lauren, his daughter, was the culprit. Friendships with Lucy Beale and Whitney Dean: Throughout her teenage years, Lauren developed close friendships with both Lucy and Whitney. Both bonds would have ramifications for her later life. She had a son with Lucy's twin brother Peter and also had an affair with Zack (James Farrar) - Whitney's fiancee - prompting her to leave the Square for good. Throughout her teenage years, Lauren developed close friendships with both Lucy and Whitney. Both bonds would have ramifications for her later life. She had a son with Lucy's twin brother Peter and also had an affair with Zack (James Farrar) - Whitney's fiancee - prompting her to leave the Square for good. Alcoholism: Lauren began binge drinking to cope with stress from her mum Tanya (Jo Joyner) battling cancer. This later expanded into a long-term addiction storyline. Lauren began binge drinking to cope with stress from her mum Tanya (Jo Joyner) battling cancer. This later expanded into a long-term addiction storyline. Relationship with Joey Branning: In 2012, Lauren embarked on one of her more controversial storylines - a sexual relationship with Joey Branning (David Witts), her first cousin. He then expressed his fears to his father Ian (Adam Woodyatt) and recovering alcoholic Linda (Kellie Bright). Lauren was left absolutely devastated as she explained it was only folic acid, which is a common medicine for new mums. Peter tried to apologise but the incident left Lauren fearing that they were just not able to move on from her previous addiction problems. Will they be able to come together for the sake of their baby? 6 He was worried when their elder son Louie told Peter he saw Lauren taking pills Credit: BBC 6 Lauren promised her baby she she would always be there to support him Credit: BBC 6 The parents have to deal with the repercussions of the diagnosis Credit: BBC EastEnders continues on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer.
