Jacqueline Jossa ‘shaken’ by death threats as police probe launched

EastEnders actress Jacqueline Jossa has reportedly been left shaken by a string of death threats. The actress – who plays Lauren Branning on the BBC soap – has allegedly been targeted by vile messages on social media.

Jacqueline made her return to the soap a couple of years ago after some time away from Walford. The actress has two daughters, Mia and Ella, with her husband Dan Osborne. She has allegedly been sent “upsetting and terrifying” messages and the alarm was raised and action taken. Jacqueline is said to be continuing with her usual work commitments.

“The upsetting messages were terrifying and a bit of a shock, and Jacqueline wanted to make bosses aware of what was going on. They were sent via social media, but sinister enough to raise the alarm and take action,” a source told The Sun on Sunday.

“Everyone is taking them seriously. Jacqueline is putting on a brave face, and continuing with her work commitments. She is determined not to let this nasty incident ruin her Christmas and she is grateful to her EastEnders bosses for their support.”

The source added: “She’s been left a bit shaken, but is a tough cookie. Jacqueline has worked really hard on the festive episodes and is looking forward to them playing on telly.”

Hertfordshire Police said in a statement: “We received a report on Tuesday 16 December of threats received via social media to a woman in Borehamwood. Detectives from Hertsmere CID are investigating the report as a suspected malicious communication. Safeguarding advice has been provided to the victim. The investigation is in its early stages so it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”

EastEnders and Jacqueline Jossa’s representatives declined to comment.

Jacqueline made her return to EastEnders back in 2023. She said at the time: “I’m really excited. It’s such an amazing time to be back as there is so much buzz around EastEnders at the moment. I’ve been watching and loving it like a fan. Walford holds a special place in my heart, so it really does feel like coming home.”

Over the years, Jacqueline said she was open about a soap return. She said in a podcast: “I won the Jungle and have done things like that. But I get people shouting Lauren at me the most out of everything. People still care about her. I would 100 per cent put the leather jacket back on and the boots and get going, because it’s the best job in the world, and it’s still my dream job.”