EastEnders legend Jo Joyner is swapping Walford for a Young Offenders Institution. The Tanya Branning star has joined the cast of Jimmy McGovern’s gritty prison drama, Time, for its third season. She joins David Tennant in the Belfast-based production. And the actress will be playing a character named Nicola. With Tanya staying away from the Square, will fans embrace this dark new role? Keep scrolling to learn more.
Jo Joyner Joins A Powerful New Cast For Time Season 3
The BBC has confirmed a new line-up for the third season. And Walfod’s favourite Jo Joyner is also a part of it. Jo plays Nicole in the drama. Also, the show is filming in Belfast. David Tennant will lead the season as Prison Officer Bailey. Elsewhere, Siobhan Finneran will return as Marie-Louise.
In the first seasons, it was about adult prisoners. The second focused on a women’s facility. However, now the upcoming story will focus on a teenager’s life who faces the early shock of prison life. Makers of the show want to show how these young offenders deal with the first few weeks behind bars. Even Victor Zhao, Paul Smoth Junior, Finn Kearns and Jack Barnes are joining the season. They will appear as Jietang, Toby, Mark and Chaz. Jimmy McGovern called the new team wonderful.
Jo’s Final Stint On EastEnders
Jo Joyner played the beloved Tanya Branning on the BBC soap. Tanya had returned to Walford to take her daughters, Lauren and Abi away from the Square. She soon confronted Max Branning for his villainous behaviour. Furthermore, she revealed a secret to Stacey Slater. She told her that Max was responsible for Steven Beale’s death. Later, she was trying to talk a suicidal Max down from the roof. However, both Abi and Lauren slipped and fell. And Tanya watched this horrific accident.
Luckily, Lauren recovered. However, Abi was declared brain-dead. She even didn’t allow Max to come to the hospital. But when Abi’s life support was removed, she allowed him to be there. During his funeral, Tanya made her final physical appearance on the show.
For those who don’t remember, Max was married to Rachel when he met Tanya. Soon, Tanya became pregnant, and Max left his old family. Even after starting fresh, Max’s cheating behaviour didnt stop. He had a year-long affair with his son’s girlfriend, Stacey.
It was revealed in front of the family on Christmas Day. Meanwhile, do you miss Tanya Branning? Let us know in the comments section. For more EastEnders spoilers and updates, keep following Soap Opera Daily.