'EastEnders' Tanya secret will be discovered, says Jo Joyner

EastEnders star Jo Joyner has revealed that her character Tanya Jessop will break her silence over her illness in the coming weeks.

Tanya was recently left stunned when she had some abnormal smear test results, which prompted her to scrap plans for a reunion with ex-husband Max as she was haunted by the memory of her late father becoming a burden to her mother when he was unwell.

Later this week, doctors confirm to Tanya that she is suffering from cervical cancer and she continues to face her ordeal alone - not wanting daughters Lauren or Abi to know what's going on as she fears upsetting them.

However, speaking to Inside Soap, Joyner confirmed that Tanya's situation does not remain a secret forever.

"I know who she turns to, but it's kind of accidental," the actress explained. "The doctor asks Tanya if there's anybody she could tell, but she explains that she's left her husband and her best friend Jane Beale has gone, so there isn't anyone.

"But somebody does find out about her cancer - and that's who she ends up confiding in."

EastEnders bosses have worked closely with various charities and experts while devising Tanya's storyline, including Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support.

> EastEnders confirms cervical cancer storyline
> EastEnders cancer plot is a responsibility, says Jo Joyner
> Read all the latest EastEnders spoilers and news

Watch a video preview of tonight's EastEnders episode below: