'EastEnders' star Joyner turned down role

EastEnders star Jo Joyner has revealed that she originally turned down her role as Tanya Branning.

The actress, who has previously appeared in Channel 4's No Angels and sketch show Swingers, was worried that fans of the soap would think she was "rubbish".

"It was a massive decision," Jo told The People. "I said no originally. Playing someone in a soap is a big responsibility.

"People are very protective of the soap and if you are rubbish you can't get away from it. And it's hard to do a good job at the speed they work."

She added: "It has never been my ambition to be mega famous or mega rich - I've just wanted to make a living."