EastEnders writer and ex-cast member Emer Kenny has expressed her doubts amid speculation that Lauren Branning is becoming an alcoholic.

The Zsa Zsa actress believes that Jacqueline Jossa’s troubled character is simply going through a stage of extreme binge drinking.

“It’s less alcoholism and more binge-drinking is what they are trying to do,” Kenny told PA. “That’s a very real and relevant teenage story, because it reflects real life.

“EastEnders can sometimes exist in its own land and I always think it’s a good thing when it connects to the real world. I don’t see her becoming an alcoholic at 18, but I don’t know.”

Speaking of other Albert Square residents she writes for, Kenny added: “I love writing for little Tiff (Maisie Smith), but I would like to write for Shirley (Linda Henry), because my character was her niece and I really love her.

“But I think it would be daunting because I think Linda is an amazing actress and I would want to do her proud,” she admitted.

“I also enjoy writing for Lauren Branning because Jacqueline [Jossa] is a brilliant actress. She’s relateable for me in terms of age so she’s a nice person to write for.”

Source: Digital Spy.

EastEnders star Jacqueline Jossa has revealed her dream is to work behind the bar of the Queen Vic pub in Albert Square.

The 19-year-old actress – who has been shortlisted for Sexiest Female at the National Soap Awards – plays teen alcoholic Lauren Branning and told The Sun that while she hopes Lauren sorts out her problems, she would love her to become a barmaid.

Jacqueline said: “I just want to work behind the bar in the Queen Vic once, then my life would be complete.”

The soap star said she can see herself staying in Albert Square for some time, and even hopes Lauren could notch up as many years as Dot Cotton, who has been in the show for 27 years.

Jacqueline said: “I still think there is so much that Lauren can do. She’s not finished so hopefully I’ll stay here for a little bit longer. Maybe I would like to be like Dot Cotton.

“I still love it, definitely. I have thought about making it in the movies but I’m young so there is still time for that. I still have so much to learn here. It is like a college for me.”

The young star admitted her Sexiest Female nomination had shocked her as Lauren’s storylines have not been sexy at all.

She said: “The other girls are all very, very sexy! How can I be up against Michelle Keegan? I don’t know how I am nominated, all I do is throw up!

“Maybe it’s because Lauren is just your normal girl, a plain Jane, but maybe people see a sexy side to her.”

Jacqueline also said she believed her boyfriend, Tony Discipline who plays Tyler Moon on the show, should have been nominated for Sexiest Male.

Source: Google.