'EastEnders' Tanya will have a slow decline, says Jo Joyner

EastEnders star Jo Joyner has stressed the importance of keeping her cervical cancer storyline as realistic as possible.

The actress explained that viewers will notice changes in the appearance of her character Tanya Jessop as the current plot continues.

Tanya was diagnosed with her illness in August and EastEnders fans will see her undergo further treatment in episodes which air next month.

Joyner, asked whether Tanya will start to look ill on screen, told Soaplife: "I'd like her to and I made a point of saying, 'Unless we ever see Tanya looking tired these references are going to be rubbish', because she's keeping up the pretence and putting on lots of make-up.

"But I've had my extensions out and the false lashes are coming off. It will be a slow decline."

Joyner also promised that Tanya's feelings for ex-husband Max (Jake Wood) will be revisited in the coming weeks.

She said: "He's the love of her life. There's some really great stuff to come with Max, Cora and Tanya and her past. It all comes to a bit of a head."

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