Jacqueline Jossa made a triumphant return to the red carpet last night, looking every inch the sophisticated yummy mummy as she scored Sexiest Female at the Inside Soap Awards.
The brunette beauty admitted to feeling up to the moniker as she stepped out in a fifties-inspired A-line dress with a full skirt and black lace bodice.
Jacqueline reprised her role as Lauren Branning on Eastenders earlier this year and said she loves being back at Albert Square, telling The Sun: “I love the show, it feels like home. There have been so many changes but it’s home!”
The 23-year-old actress has been widely praised for her moving and heartfelt portrayal of Lauren who’s battled alcoholism and a series of torrid relationships including one with her cousin, Joey Branning (David Witts). Fans thought she’d found love with finance Peter Beale (Ben Hardy), only to return from New Zealand with his brother Steven!
Jacqueline’s personal life hasn’t been quite so rocky of late as she’s taken time out to care for her 18-month old daughter, Ella, with finance Dan Osbourne. The former TOWIE star has been pulling his weight at home, which gave Jacqueline the confidence to step back into Lauren’s shoes.
She explained: “It’s absolutely fine, she’s in safe hands with either daddy or nanny, and surprisingly it’s worked out really nicely. I come home and I don’t miss bed time.
“Ella has come to the set a few times, I think she’s going to be an actress.”
As for Lauren’s next adventure on the award-winning soap, she revealed: “You’re going to find out [what happened to Peter] quite soon, a lot of people have been saying, ‘Oh Peter’s gone and now she’s going out with his brother, why?’ It’ll start to unravel and you’ll find out…it’s interesting.
“Lauren sees herself in Steven I think but Peter is the good guy so it’s going to be fun for the audience to see whether she goes for Mr Good Guy or the one who shot Jane in the womb!”
We can’t wait to see how her storyline and life with baby Ella develops.
What do you make of Jacqueline’s return to Eastenders? Want to share some tips on juggling work and motherhood? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter (@CloserOnline).
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