It’s been a while since Lauren Branning was last in Albert Square, hasn’t it?
The pretty brunette came back to Walford in September 2015, when she returned briefly from New Zealand to watch her dad, Max (Jake Wood), go down for Lucy Beale’s murder.
While she was in town, Lauren also gave birth her and Peter Beale’s baby boy, Louie, which distracted her somewhat from her dad’s trial.
Her return, however, was only temporary, and she soon returned to New Zealand with her newborn son.
Now Jacqueline Jossa’s maternity leave with baby Ella Selina is coming to an end, signalling her full-time return to the soap later this year.
So what can we expect from Lauren’s big comeback?
Speaking to Fabulous magazine, Jacqueline said: "I love a big, angry storyline.
“I just want more pain.
"It’s boring when they’re happy."
She added: “EastEnders is best at misery, sadness and anger, and I just miss screaming, crying – they’re the scenes I am best at.”
We have a feeling her wish will be granted as, while Jacqueline is gearing up for her return to Albert Square, Ben Hardy - who plays on-screen boyfriend Peter Beale - will NOT be joining her.
He’s too busy starring in the new X-Men movie, you see.
So how will EastEnders explain the fact that Lauren and Peter are no longer together?
Well, we imagine it may have something to do with the fact that Lauren’s dad is set to be released from prison - suggesting that someone ELSE is going to prison for Lucy’s murder.
Could Peter be set to split from Lauren when his baby brother, Bobby, is finally found guilty?
Jake Wood also spoke about his EastEnders comeback recently, telling YouTube’s Kugan Cassius that Max is definitely coming back in September this year.
Yay!
However he added that he DOES have a lot of catching up to do…
"I left in July and I haven't watched an episode since I left. I needed a good break. I've done nine years without a break.
"I went up and saw them and said I was knackered and wanted a bit of time out. They've given me this summer off as well because I want to be with the kids and then it's September I'm pencilled in to go back.
"When I'm having this break now, I'm not watching it at all so I don't know who's doing what."
At the time Jake’s break was announced, the show’s executive producer, Dominic Treadwell-Collins, said: “When I returned to EastEnders both Jake and I agreed that Max has been through so much over the past 9 years that we would give both him and Jake a break when the opportunity arose.
“That opportunity has come and it is the perfect time to send Max Branning out with a bang that will send ripples through the Square for the rest of the year until Jake returns.”
Are you excited to see Lauren and Max Branning return to Albert Square?
Let us know via Facebook or Twitter (@CloserOnline) now.