Soap star Jacqueline Jossa has candidly shared her surprise at her new health regime but insists she’s enjoying it. The actress, 31, embarked on a fitness journey primarily for mental health benefits.
She posted a picture of herself at the gym with a friend a few months ago. And her workouts have been paying off.
“It was more for my head, for my mental health, to be honest,” she told OK! Magazine. “And I’m just loving it. I didn’t think I’d be able to stick to it, because I’m generally one of those that goes for a week and then stops, but I’m truly loving it.”
Surprised by her own dedication, she added: “I don’t know who I am. I shock myself sometimes!” The positive news comes as fans are thrilled over Jossa’s return as Lauren Branning, which coincides with EastEnders 40th anniversary celebrations.
The star first joined the show at 17 and previously expressed that going back to Walford now feels like ‘coming home’. “Walford holds a special place in my heart, so it really does feel like coming home,” she said. “Yes, some old faces are back in Albert Square. Some absolute legends in the game, so that’s really cool. I love.”
She shared her excitement over working alongside ‘absolute legends’ like Tracy-Ann Oberman and Louisa Lytton, stating, “Yes, some old faces are back in Albert Square. Some absolute legends in the game, so that’s really cool. I love.”
(Image: Getty Images for the NTA’s)
EastEnders producer Chris Clenshaw is equally thrilled about Jossa’s comeback, hinting at exciting developments for her character. According to The Mirror, he said: “I’m delighted to welcome Jacqueline back to the role of Lauren Branning.
“We only saw Lauren on-screen a few of months ago, but her return left plenty of unfinished business between her and the Beales. The Branning family have a long history of being at the heart of the drama in Walford, and we’re thrilled to have Jacqueline back in the Square as she continues that family tradition.”