EastEnders' original Lauren Branning actress now including totally different job
When most people think of EastEnders character Lauren Branning, the chances are the first star to spring to mind is Jacqueline Jossa, who played the troubled teen from 2010 onwards. However, long before the actress took over the role, Lauren was actually portrayed by child star Madeline Duggan, who first arrived on our screens all the way back in 2006.
Holding the role for four years, Madeline was involved in a number of high profile storylines, from Lauren’s father Max having an extra-marital affair, through to to being at the centre of a dark grooming storyline herself. Sadly, the role was eventually recast in order to allow a more mature actress take on a number of equally gritty storylines, something that Madeline admits she only “understands now” almost a decade later.
Looking back at her time on the show, Madeline said: "I looked like a baby in that ep and I was tiny and didn't grow (still only 5'2) so I get that they wanted someone older to play different story lines and I'm very glad it happened.”
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Since leaving the show, Madeline has continued to act, with her Instagram bio reading "Actress, London".
She has appeared in a number of serial dramas such as Silent Witness and By Any Means and has also starred as Laura in Everyone's Going To Die, a 2013 movie which featured a soundtrack composed by Charlie Simpson of Busted fame!
Alongside screen roles, Madeline has revealed that she has worked part job in a GP surgery to help pay the bills during her acting dry spells. 'I know this because I work in a doctors surgery part time (because being an out of work actress doesn't pay lol)" she said in a Tweet in 2020.
Despite the slight deviation from her soap years, Madeline has still maintained a firm presence in the public eye, particularly on social media where she regularly updates her followers with photos of her outfit choices and holidays.
Still rocking her trademark brunette hair, Madeline can be seen showing off her figure in a variety of swimsuits and chic outfits, as she continues to jet around the world on a number of holidays, including Vegas and Mallorca in the past year.
She also celebrated her 30th birthday in June, looking stunning in a beautiful yellow strapless dress during her party in South London.
Alongside the snaps from the night, she wrote: "There’s a rumour going around that I’m turning 30 this week. I decline that message. I’m 25. Such a beautiful evening with some of my favourite people. Thirty, not flirty & hanging on by a thread.”
