Jo Joyner: where is Tanya Branning from EastEnders now?

From that infamous Christmas Day episode to burying Max Branning alive - here's what Tanya's doing

eastenders tanya branning jo joyner

by Brooke Pollock |
Updated on

Jo Joyer - aka Tanya Branning - was an EastEnders legend.

She was part of one of Walford's biggest families which meant her character had her fair share of hardship over the seven years in Albert Square.

It's been such a long time since Tanya was on our screens, so we thought we would see what the resident and soap star is up to these days.

Who is Jo Joyner?

Jo is an Essex-born actress who is well known for playing EastEnders' Tanya Branning.

What happened to Tanya Branning?

Tanya arrived in Walford in 2006, and for most of her Albert Square tenure, she was head over heels for her ever-cheating husband Max Branning (Jake Wood).

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tanya and jean during that infamous christmas day moment ©BBC

She had to deal with his numerous affairs, including with his son, Bradley Branning’s girlfriend Stacey Slater.

In case your memory is a bit fuzzy - it was 15 years ago after all - the two had been having an affair but it all came out during that infamous Christmas Day episode where the whole family watched them snogging on Stacey and Bradley's wedding day.

As well as that, Tanya dated Sean Slater (Rob Kazinsky), buried Max alive and discovered that her daughter Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) was in love with her cousin Joey Branning (David Witts).

How many kids did Tanya Branning have?

Tanya had three biological children: Lauren, Abi (Lorna Fitzgerald), and Oscar (Charlee Hall).

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tanya and max together ©BBC

She was also the stepmother of Max’s eldest child Bradley, whose mum is Rachel Branning, Max’s first wife.

Who did Tanya date in EastEnders?

She dated Sean (Robert Kazinsky), Max’s brother Jack (Scott Maslen) and she married Greg Jessop (Stefan Booth).

Who was Tanya married to in EastEnders?

She was married to and had an on/off relationship with Max despite burying him alive after she found out about his affair with Stacey.

Tanya later married Greg though their marriage did not last very long and that was because she didn't want to have children with him, she cheated on him and after her cervical diagnosis, Greg left because he couldn’t cope.

Why did Tanya leave EastEnders?

Tanya left Walford in 2013 but returned in 2017, before leaving again in 2018 to help Lauren who was a recovering alcoholic.

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jo alongside her eastenders co-stars in 2012 ©Getty Images

Speaking about leaving EastEnders, Jo Joyner said, "I love playing Tanya and being part of such a great show, but she has been on quite a rollercoaster over the past seven years and I have come to realise that it's right for her to step away from Walford for a bit longer than originally planned.

"I have been very fortunate to have been part of some fantastic storylines over the years, and I have worked with some wonderful people during my time on the show which I will always be very grateful for, but I feel that as a mother and an actress it is time for me to explore some other avenues for a while."

Is Jo Joyner returning to EastEnders?

Well, the EastEnders star admitted that she hasn’t seen the show in “a couple of years now” but wouldn’t rule out a return.

Speaking on the Distinct Nostalgia podcast, she said, "I would never say never, I really wouldn't. Because I'm so fond of that Branning family, and what they created and who they all might have become. Yes, I would one day.

"But I [Tanya] may well die as well. I'm at the mercy of scripts. There could be a phone call at any minute where somebody just drops it, looks white and says, 'She's dead.'

“There is always scope as long as you have got family that are in the show but not for me at the moment."

What is Jo Joyner doing now?

The soap star has appeared in Channel 4's Ackley Bridge, Channel 5's crime drama Riptide and For Her Sins.

How old is Jo Joyner?

Jo Joyner is 46. Her birthday is 24 May 1977.

Who is Jo Joyner's husband?

Jo is married to actor Neil Madden. They tied the knot in 2007 and have two children together.

Does Jo Joyner have social media?

She does. Her Instagram is @dollyjj.

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