Jo Joyner
Joanne Mary Joyner (born 24 May 1977) is an English actress. She is known for her roles as Tanya Branning in the BBC soap opera "EastEnders" and Mandy Carter in Channel 4 drama "Ackley Bridge". Since 2018, she has starred as Luella Shakespeare in the BBC crime drama series "". Early life. Joyner was born in Harlow, Essex to Anne (née McCormick) and Peter Joyner. She has one older brother, David. In 1999, she graduated from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in Cardiff with a BA in Acting. Career. After a stint of guest roles in shows  such as "Always and Everyone", "The Cops", "Heartbeat" and "Clocking Off", Joyner came to prominence after playing Beth Nicholls in Channel 4 comedy drama "No Angels" between 2004 and 2006. She later appeared in four episodes of "North & South" as Fanny Thornton and in two episodes of "Doctor Who" as Lynda Moss. Whilst still appearing in "EastEnders" in 2011, Joyner appeared in BBC One comedy drama "Candy Cabs" as Jackie O’Sullivan. The show received generally poor reviews from critics, with many complaining that the series appeared to be plagiarised from the 1963 British Carry On film "Carry On Cabby". Following  her eventual departure from "EastEnders", she appeared in main roles in shows such as "Trying Again" in 2014, in BBC drama "Ordinary Lies" and "The Interceptor". From 2015 to 2016, Joyner took on the lead role of the Vicar in two series of the sitcom "Marley's Ghosts" on Gold. In June 2017, Joyner began portraying Mandy Carter in Channel 4’s drama "Ackley Bridge". She departed from the series in the fourth series in 2021. In February 2018, she started to play Luella Shakespeare, alongside Mark Benton, in the BBC One comedy drama "".<ref>