In August 2010, it was announced that the character Lauren Branning would be returning later in the year, now played by Jacqueline Jossa. Of her casting in the show, Jossa said
"I was so excited when I got the call to say I'd got the part in EastEnders. I've always been a massive fan of the show and it's a dream come true. The character of Lauren Branning will be really fun to play and there are some exciting things coming up".
Kirkwood said "I'm delighted to welcome Jacqueline Jossa to Albert Square. Jacqueline's portrayal of Lauren has all the classic Branning qualities of toughness, cynicism and sensitivity. Jacqueline is set to be at the heart of Walford drama for some time to come". It was reported that Lauren's return would show a more grown-up side to the character, who will cause trouble but also show a softer side as she attempts to find love.

Jossa's first appearance was on 27 September 2010. Following Jossa's first appearance, Lauren started appearing in her own internet spin-off series, Lauren's Diaries, and a second series started in 2011. Jossa said that when she first got the part of Lauren, she said that she " worried unnecessarily". Talking to PA, Jossa said that working with Joyner and Wood wasn't as scary as she thought. She commented: "There was less pressure than I thought there was going to be. When I first started I got really scared and worked up, thinking everyone's going to hate me. They've been there four years and then I'm coming in to be their daughter - it was a bit surreal. And then two weeks later I felt completely comfortable, everyone was cracking jokes and I thought, 'Oh... I built it up a bit!'"

Jossa was nominated in the category of "Best Soap Newcomer" at the 2011 Tv Choice Awards. On the 25th January Jossa won "Best Newcomer" at the National Television Awards in 2012. She was shortlisted in the category "Sexiest Female" in the "British Soap Awards 2012" but lost to Michelle Keegan.
​