Jacqueline Jossa's tribute to Lauren

17 February 2018

Jacqueline Jossa has paid tribute to her 'EastEnders' character Lauren.

Jacqueline Jossa and Lorna Fitzgerald [Instagram]

The 25-year-old actress and co-star Lorna Fitzgerald - who played sisters Lauren and Abi Branning - have been written out of the BBC soap and following their final appearance, Jacqueline paid tribute to the characters.

She posted a picture of them together on Instagram and wrote: "Goodbye to the Branning sisters. I will miss you Lauren Branning. Always."

Jacqueline's parents also took to social media to praise their daughter.

They wrote: "Goodbye Lauren Branning. !! Never been more proud of our daughter jacqueline mary jossa.

"We love you so much onwards and upwards love mum dad and family (sic)."

Abi plunged from the roof of the Queen Victoria pub on Christmas Day (25.12.17) - the same way their half-brother Bradley Branning (Charlie Clements) died in 2010 - while the sisters were trying to persuade their father Max not to take his own life after he plunged into depression.

Abi's life support was turned off on the show on Friday's (16.02.18) episode of 'EastEnders', while Lauren left Walford for a new life.

Speaking previously about leaving the show, Lorna wrote on Instagram: "Overwhelmed by the comments. Don't know where to start with thanking you all for the past 12 years. R.I.P Abi Branning... it's been a blast! (sic)."