What should have been a routine stretch of work turned deeply unsettling for EastEnders star Jacqueline Jossa, after a series of chilling messages landed in her social media inbox.
The actress, best known for playing Lauren Branning, was left shaken when the messages escalated into explicit death threats.
Alerting EastEnders Bosses and Police Involvement
Understandably alarmed, Jacqueline immediately informed senior staff at EastEnders’ Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire.
Producers acted fast, contacting the police to ensure the situation was taken seriously.
Hertfordshire Police have since opened an investigation into what they are treating as malicious communications, while also offering safeguarding advice to the 33-year-old actress.
Putting on a Brave Face Despite the Fear
Those close to Jacqueline say the experience has rattled her, describing her as “a bit shaken” by the threats.
Even so, she has continued to show up for work, determined not to let the ordeal derail her professional commitments.
Friends say she’s leaning on her resilience and trying to stay positive in the face of a frightening situation.
Finding Moments of Normality Amid the Stress
Despite everything, Jacqueline was spotted enjoying herself at the EastEnders Christmas party this week, suggesting she’s making a conscious effort to keep life as normal as possible.
The former I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! winner appeared relaxed and in good spirits as she celebrated with castmates.
A Wider Pattern of Harassment in the Family
The timing of the threats has raised eyebrows, as they come shortly after Jacqueline’s husband, former TOWIE star Dan Osborne, spoke publicly about being targeted by a female stalker.
Dan revealed that the individual allegedly harassed him daily and even went as far as creating nine social media accounts in a single day to keep tabs on him.
The couple share two children.
Gratitude for BBC Support
A source close to Jacqueline says she’s deeply appreciative of how seriously the BBC has taken the situation.
Speaking to The Sun, the insider explained that the messages were “terrifying” and came as a complete shock, prompting Jacqueline to alert her bosses immediately.
Although the threats arrived online, their sinister tone was enough to raise serious concerns and trigger swift action.
A Soap Icon With a Long-Standing Legacy
Jacqueline has played Lauren Branning on EastEnders since 2010, with a brief break from the show between 2018 and 2024.
Over the years, Lauren has grown into one of the soap’s most beloved characters.
One of the most memorable moments in her storyline came in 2018, when Lauren and her sister Abi fell from the roof of The Queen Vic — a scene that later won Scene of the Year at the British Soap Awards.
What Police Are Saying
Confirming the investigation, Hertfordshire Police said they received a report on Tuesday, 16 December, regarding threats sent via social media to a woman in Borehamwood.
Detectives from Hertsmere CID are handling the case as suspected malicious communication, and safeguarding advice has already been provided.
Officers stressed that the inquiry is still in its early stages, making further comment inappropriate for now.
What’s Next?
As the police investigation continues, attention will remain on ensuring Jacqueline’s safety while she carries on with her work.
For now, she’s relying on support from her employers, loved ones, and fans — and showing that, even shaken, she’s not stepping back quietly.
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