'Jac is believing in herself again'

EastEnders star Jacqueline Jossa is "back doing what she loves" and feeling confident as she debuts her new look

- Eve Macdonald

Returning to a role after a five-year hiatus might seem daunting to most but not to EastEnders actress Jacqueline Jossa, who is back and better than ever.

The star-known for her Walford character Lauren Branning is returning to Walford to take part in some of the biggest storylines this Christmas, and the mum-of-two has admitted how excited she is to reprise her role.

"It's such an amazing time to be back as there is so much buzz around EastEnders at the moment. I've been watching and loving it like a fan.

"Walford holds a special place in my heart, so it really does feel like coming home," the actress said.

But other than learning lines and catching up with her old co-stars, Jac, 31, has been working hard to make sure she looks - and feels - her best for her comeback.

"Jacqueline is believing in herself again," a source exclusively told new.

"She's very confident and is more than ready to return to EastEnders." The star, who played Lauren on the BBC soap for eight years, has been open about hitting the gym in preparation for her dramatic return to Albert Square.

In fact, she even ditched the sunlounger for exercise while on a recent family holiday to Dubai, and it's been paying off.

Most recently, she showed off her weight loss to fans on Instagram, while modelling her new collection of In The Style party dresses.