[Scarlett.]

Soap newcomer Jacqueline Jossa has taken over the role of Lauren Branning in EastEnders, Digital Spy can reveal.

Lauren - who was last seen making plans to attend a summer camp in the US - will return to Albert Square later this year and waste no time in letting everyone know that she's now all grown-up.

While the tough teenager looks set to stir up some trouble in Walford after making her comeback, viewers will also see her softer side as she searches for love in her life.

Lauren's keen to find a guy with the right personality rather than judging on looks - but will Max and Tanya's daughter manage to find someone who can sweep her off her feet?



Speaking of her casting, Jossa commented: "I was so excited when I got the call to say I'd got the part in EastEnders. I've always been a massive fan of the show and it's a dream come true. The character of Lauren Branning will be really fun to play and there are some exciting things coming up."

EastEnders' executive producer Bryan Kirkwood added: "Maddie Duggan did a great job of playing the young Lauren Branning, and we wish her the very best of luck for the future. I'm delighted to welcome Jacqueline Jossa to Albert Square. Jacqueline's portrayal of Lauren has all the classic Branning qualities of toughness, cynicism and sensitivity. Jacqueline is set to be at the heart of Walford drama for some time to come."

As announced in June, new faces will also take over in the roles of Ben Mitchell and Lucy Beale later this year.

DS

[Braden]

She looks great.

[Stacey.]

She looks good, but I love Lauren

[Jessica.]

I'll miss Maddie but Jacqueline looks like she could be great.

[Mac Hiavellian]

Maddie wasn't the best actress in the world but she was a better actress than Lorna Fitzgerald and played a better character than awful Abi

Ben was a necessary recast, and I understand why Lucy's been recast but Lauren was ok

[Kerry]

I'm never keen when people go away and come back with a new face but I guess if they're not fitting the bill...... I thought the original Lauren was OK though, even if she couldn't crack a smile if her life depended on it

[Maia]

She looks better than I was expecting - I'll miss Maddie though, she did a brilliant job. I hope this new girl does alright though.

[Callum]

She looks better than Maddie. I never was a fan of her as Lauren so I'm not bothered about this recast. Still got Lucy and Ben to be recast yet though.

[Firewire]

She looks nothing like her.

[Kerry]

Originally Posted by Jonathan.

She looks nothing like her.

She's sulking. Theres a similarity

[Tom4784]

Let's hope Abi and Jordan get the face transplant next.

[foxysarah92]

I think it is bitchy replacing her

[Jords]

Its gonna be wierd having Lauren back with a different face, I remember when they changed Peter, its just odd for a bit.

[Patrick]

Nah, Maddie was brilliant and should not of been replaced.

This chick looks ******ing Asian.

[eye sea]

Will her parents notice her face has changed? And more importantly, will they say anything?

[King Gizzard]

Shes a roomate of one of my friends at Performing arts college

I only just seen it via facebook