EastEnders fans are excited by an old favourite making a return

It sure looks that way.

EastEnders fans are always on the ball when it comes to predicting future storylines. They usually set Twitter alight with their theories of what has happened and what's to come. Last night was no different and this time they could be on to something. After seeing last night's episode they are convinced that Tanya Branning is making a return to the soap. Fans of the show will know that Tanya, played by Jo Joyner, left the show indefinitely in 2015. She returned for the show's 30th birthday but hasn't appeared since. But last night, Tanya’s daughter Lauren Branning kept mentioning her in the context of her son and how Tanya had never met her grandson. As per usual, EastEnders fans jumped to the conclusion that it was a hint about her return.

Too much mention of Tanya. Kinda hinting she'll be popping up in the coming weeks #eastenders

— Simon Craig (@simonrcraig) January 31, 2017

Erm, was that subtle? IS TANYA COMING BACK? #EastEnders

— Ryan Love (@RyanJL) January 31, 2017

Namedrop...Tanya is going to pop up on easties soon then...maybe to help stop Max in his evil scheme #EastEnders

— Elizabeth Helen (@helenthomas1004) January 31, 2017

I would love Tanya to make a return ❤️ #EastEnders

— BBC EastEnders (@EASTENDERRS) January 31, 2017

Any chance Tanya back on #eastenders??

— Buon Senso (@BuonSenso1) January 31, 2017

Tanya mention oh bring her back #EastEnders

— Sharon (@shazzab74) January 31, 2017

Heavy mention of Tanya there, I wonder if she's coming back?! #EastEnders

— Christopher Hampton (@TheChrisHampton) January 31, 2017

This person clearly isn't impressed at the prospect of her return:

Oh please tell me that's not some kind of hint at Tanya returning?#Eastenders

— Owen Butters (@owen_butters) January 31, 2017