Jo Joyner was "ruined" by the hectic filming schedule for her last 'EastEnders' return.

Jo Joyner as Tanya Branning

Jo Joyner as Tanya Branning

The 41-year-old actress - who first appeared on the BBC One soap in 2006 - made a comeback as Tanya Branning for four episodes between Christmas Day (25.12.18) and February this year, but her workload meant she was left exhausted.

Asked by Closer magazine if the show's bosses are constantly trying to tempt her back, she admitted: "I heard about Tanya's sister Rainie now being married to Tanya's ex, Max Branning, on Twitter, but I haven't seen it. When I went back to 'EastEnders' at Christmas, I was doing 'Shakespeare & Hathaway', so I gave up all my Saturdays to film.

"But I didn't realise it was going to be night shoots in the rain, so I actually ended up working seven-day weeks for quite a while and it nearly ruined me! Next time, I'll say 'I can't fit it in this year.' "

The star - who plays headteacher Mandy Carter in Channel 4's school drama 'Ackley Bridge' - was also quizzed on the possibility of making a move to reality TV.

However, Joyner admitted the only programme she has been tempted to appear on would be 'MasterChef', because she's already a big fan.

She said: "The only one I was genuinely tempted by was 'MasterChef', because I love watching it.

"Though when it came to being asked to do 'Sugar Free Farm', I thought 'Really? Does the nation want to see me go without food?!' I'm a moody bitch when I'm hungry and not very tactful!"


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