EastEnders has revealed first-look images of Lauren Branning's return to Walford, as she reunites with her family.
Jacqueline Jossa reprises her role on the BBC soap for the first time since 2018 when she departed after tragic scenes.
Sadly, it's more heartbreak that has led to her return as she is back for the final farewell of her grandmother Dot Cotton.
Dot passed away off-screen in recent scenes, while actress and soap legend June Brown passed away in April this year, aged 95.
Lauren reunites with her uncle Jack Branning, cousin Sonia Fowler and others as they attend the funeral of Walford favourite Dot.
New spoiler pictures ahead of the heartbreaking episodes reveal the moment Lauren arrives back home, and greets Sonia with a bouquet of flowers.
The two characters then emotionally hug it out, before Lauren reunites with her other grieving family members.
Another snap shows her and Sonia in the Square, as they prepare to say goodbye to their beloved relative.
This could be the moment Dot's coffin is taken through the Square on her final journey, with Walford residents coming outside to pay their respects.
Jacqueline confirmed her comeback for the scenes earlier this year, alongside other characters returning for the funeral - including Colin Russell, Barry Clark, George ‘Lofty’ Holloway, Mary ‘the punk’ Smith and Disa O’Brien.
Confirming her return, Jacqueline spilled: "Coming back to EastEnders for Dot's funeral was a no-brainer, and it was a real honour to be invited back. I had a lot of fun but, of course, it was bittersweet. It was amazing to be back, but hard to be filming this storyline.
"I can tell the viewers now that Dot gets the beautiful send-off that she deserves. June was the light and joy of EastEnders. I had so much fun working with her, the incredible stories and how infectious & witty she was. June is a legend and I miss her very much."
Spoilers reveal that Lauren confronts Linda Carter for breaking her dad Max Branning's heart, so perhaps she blames her for Max's actions that saw him run away with his granddaughter Abi last year.
Other hints also suggest there's some big news coming, with Lauren set to reveal where some of the past Brannings are now.
She said: "She’s still the same old Lauren, but maybe grown up a little bit! I think she’ll be able to provide some updates about other members of the Branning family!
"Hopefully, Lauren coming home is something positive and light. Obviously, Lauren is upset to lose Grandma Dot, but it’s a bittersweet feeling to be back."
Jacqueline also appeared to confirm her character Lauren is back for two episodes, and will depart again after the funeral - while she may have been referring to how many episodes cover the funeral.
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
