'Enders Jo Joyner wants "feisty" Tanya

EastEnders star Jo Joyner has revealed that she wants to explore Tanya Branning's "feisty" side when she returns to the soap later this year.

The actress is currently on maternity leave after welcoming the arrival of twins Edie and Freddie following successful IVF treatment.

In an interview with Bang Showbiz, Joyner confirmed that she wants sparks to fly between her character and estranged husband Max (Jake Wood) when they come face-to-face again.

She commented: "I have to say actually, I do prefer playing a sort of tarty, nasty bitch, because quite frankly it's more fun. I do love playing Tanya, but it is very different to the roles I had before EastEnders. I'd like to see a bit more of her feisty side.

"I hope it comes out. I think she's been a little bit calm and a little bit mumsy lately and I think if she's been away from Max for a while, she needs to come back with a bit more fight about her and have him on his knees a bit."

Of her experiences as a mother, she added: "It's fantastic. It's full on but it's just been a whirlwind. I've just been so lucky."

> Jo Joyner praises EastEnders live ep