BBC EastEnders’ original Penny Branning star looks completely different 15 years on
EastEnders bosses confirmed that Penny Branning was going to be returning to Albert Square but with a new actress at the helm - but what happened to the original star?
EastEnders fans first met Penny Branning 15 years ago when she joined the soap to play Jack and Selina Branning’s daughter.
Mia McKenna-Bruce was just 11 years old when she landed the part of their daughter on the BBC One soap for five episodes. And while Penny will be returning to Albert Square, she’ll be played by Kitty Castledine.
Fans waved goodbye to the young Penny 15 years ago after she moved to France with her mum Selina. Her brief time on the soap saw her have a troubled relationship with her dad Jack.
She had been left paralysed from the waist down after one of Jack’s criminal associates ran her over and left her for dead. But now as Penny returns, we’ve looked at what the original star is up to now.
Mia McKenna-Bruce is still very much in the acting sphere and has had roles on How to Have Sex, The Dumping Ground and Get Even. She also boasts over 200,000 followers on Instagram and appears to have a very glamorous lifestyle.She still has her blonde locks and is regularly seen posing with friends and at events as she makes her mark on the red carpet. The 26-year-old has been building up her acting career ever since her stint on the soap and it doesn’t look like she’s slowing down anytime soon.
Mia briefly took a step back after welcoming her son in August, which prompted a lot of support from her famous pals including Dani Harmer who she worked on The Dumping Ground with. But while she’s just welcomed her little boy, her movie How to Have Sex has been released.
The short film has ramped up a lot of support in recent weeks as Mia has been regularly sharing her excitement about its release. Just as the film hits the screens, it was confirmed that Mia’s former role on EastEnders has been given to another actress.
It’ll be the first time the role has been covered by a regular character, given Mia was only in a handful of episodes. Kitty will be returning alongside Jacqueline Jossa as Lauren Branning, who will be reprising her role after a five year break.
EastEnders Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw said: “It’s been a long time since Penny Branning was in Walford, and she’s a very different person from the one our viewers might remember. Kitty is a terrific addition to the show, and we’re looking forward to seeing Penny back in Albert Square.”
