Tanya Lauren Branning (also Cross and Jessop) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Jo Joyner. She made her first appearance on 27 June 2006. She left the show temporarily on 25 December 2009 for maternity leave and returned for one episode on 23 June 2010. She made her full - time return on 27 September 2010. Tanya 's storylines have included opening her own salon, giving birth to her third child, divorcing and then burying Max Branning (Jake Wood) alive, marrying Greg Jessop (Stefan Booth), starting an affair with Max, dealing with her cervical cancer and discovering that Max has a secret wife, Kirsty Branning (Kierston Wareing). On 1 May 2012, it was announced Joyner would take another break from the series in 2013, however, on 1 April 2013, it was announced her departure would be indefinite. On 15 May 2013, Joyner filmed her final scenes and departed on 28 June 2013. Tanya returned in February 2015 for two episodes as part of the show 's 30th anniversary celebrations.
who plays max branning's wife in eastenders
Jo Joyner