EastEnders axing the Branning sisters after 11 years

As part of a major shake-up of the EastEnders cast by new producer John Yorke, Lauren and Abi Branning are set to be written out of the soap

A source confirmed the news today to Digital Spy, saying that both sisters - played by Jacqueline Jossa and Lorna Fitzgerald - would be getting the chop.

"We can confirm that Jacqueline and Lorna will be leaving EastEnders," a show spokesperson said. "They have both been wonderful to work with and we wish them all the best for the future."

The sisters have been on the soap for eleven years, although Jacqueline joined seven years ago when she replaced Madeline Duggan as Lauren Branning.

No word yet on what their exit storyline will be, and there's already plenty of drama between the siblings with Abi pregnant with Lauren's fiance Stephen's baby. Then again he was the victim of EastEnders' 'disaster week', passing away in Friday's episode.

The news of his death will see alcoholic Lauren turning back to the bottle while Abi is desperate to keep her big secret and struggle to hide her hatred of Lauren. As well as that, there's their dad Max's elaborate revenge plan that Jane Beale has just found out about.

Whichever way they go, let's just hope it's not in a pool on New Year's Eve like those unfortunate Mitchell sisters.