EastEnders’ Jacqueline Jossa on ‘upsetting’ scenes with Lauren’s boozing

EastEnders actress Jacqueline Jossa says that she’s found recording some scenes as her character of Lauren Branning harrowing, with viewers finding some of the episodes upsetting. The Walford teenager is currently battling an addiction to alcohol.

We have to make it painful to watch because this issue affects people in real life – it actually hurts..  A lot of people have said that it’s really upsetting to watch Lauren go through this, but I think it’s worth it. You have to go all out, especially on a show like EastEnders. – Jacqueline Jossa

The 20-year-old’s performances have been praised by many viewers as well as charities who deal with alcoholism. Speaking to The Mirror the actress explained why Lauren returns to Albert Square, only weeks after leaving Walford with her mother Tanya.

She really wants to prove to everyone that she can stop drinking, but she’s got a long road ahead of her. She’s putting on a bit of a front, because really Lauren is terrified. – Jacqueline Jossa

In the EastEnders storylines Lauren started binge drinking, which increased with every trauma that came her way. Eventually dad Max and Tanya attempted to calm her boozing by locking her in her bedroom, when she escaped via a window Tanya decided to take her to a rehab clinic.

Now an apparently sober Lauren returns home this week.

She’s going for counselling to deal with her addiction and personally I think she’s doing really well. Lauren’s following a plan that has been set for her. Hopefully she’ll be all right. – Jacqueline Jossa

Jacqueline won Best Newcomer at the National Television Awards last year.

EastEnders, tonight on BBC One