Our Girl axed after Jacqueline Jossa’s talks to replace Michelle Keegan ‘fell through’
The former EastEnders actress, 27, had been the favourite to take on the role of army medic Georgie Lane
Jacqueline Jossa was said to be a ‘shoo in’ to replace Michelle Keegan in popular BBC show Our Girl, before bosses decided to axe the series.
On Tuesday, it was announced that the military drama would not be returning for series five with a new lead actress as expected.
Former EastEnders actress Jacqueline had been the favourite to step in as Sgt. Geordie Lane, but according to insiders close to the show, when talks with the mum stalled the show was cancelled.
A source told The Sun : “Jacqueline was a shoo-in to take over from Michelle in Our Girl but ultimately it would have been tough for her to commit to being away for so long.
“Jacqueline knew it was a massive role for her but after the initial call it all went quiet and nothing more was said. With the pandemic and restrictions on filming, they felt it was best to just pull the plug for the moment.
“It’s a shame because everyone thought Jacqueline could have had huge success in the role but the chance never really came off.”
Previous series of the show have been filmed on location in destinations including Cape Town, Australia.
Michelle Keegan, who took on the role from Lacey Turner, had been forced to go long-distance with her marriage to Mark Wright during her time in the lead role.
Jacqueline shares two young daughters with her husband of two years Dan Osborne.
This week, Our Girl creator Tony Grounds told The Radio Times : “With the finale of series four showing Georgie ready to move on with her life, it feels like the right time for us to do the same. Michelle and I are keen to continue our working relationship and, who knows, maybe we’ll catch up with Georgie in the future. I wanted to say a big thank you to the fans of the show, it’s been a joy to write.”
Jacqueline, 27, left her role as Lauren Branning in EastEnders back in February 2018.
The mum has hinted that she would like to return to the role of Max Branning’s daughter with her character leaving Walford for New Zealand.
Jacquelne said she wanted to ‘try new things’ when she left but the ‘door was still open’ if she did want to return.
Speaking to fans on her final day in the role she said: “I’m tired and I have one more day of filming left to do a pick-up tomorrow,” she explained. “So I’ve gotta get up at 6…no, I’ve got to leave at six, so I have to get up at half five.”
“One more day, then it’s all over!” she giggled.
Since then Jacquleline has gone on to win I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and launch a series of successful clothing ranges with online fashion retailer In The Style
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