Former EastEnders star Jo Joyner has signed up to co-lead new Paramount+
drama series Little Disasters, described as “a complex psychological thriller exploring
female friendships and motherhood”. Joyner, who is known for her role as Tanya
Branning in EastEnders, will star in the six-part series alongside Troy and Inglourious Basterds star Diane Kruger, with the pair playing long-time friends Liz and Jess. The drama, which has been adapted from Anatomy of a Scandal author Sarah Vaughan’s novel, focuses on a decade-long friendship between Liz, Jess, Mel (War and Peace’s Emily Taaffe), and Charlotte (Bridgerton’s Shelley Conn). Related: EastEnders’ Yolande to struggle in baptism drama The four women are first thrown together as expectant mothers, who have little in common apart from their due dates, but a friendship soon forms between them.
When Jess later takes her baby daughter to hospital with a head injury that she can’t explain, her close friend and on-duty A&E doctor Liz is forced to make an excruciating decision about whether to call social services on her longtime friend. Her decision sparks a chain of dramatic events, showing “how one moment can fracture and nearly destroy entire families and friendships”. The synopsis continues: “As the plot unfolds, the consequences of Jess and Liz’s actions come to light, families unravel and the women begin to articulate long-held judgements against each other. As the truth is unmasked, deep-rooted issues and insecurities are thrust into the spotlight as the women question what really happened to Jess’ baby.”
Related: EastEnders’ Phil to question Sharon in new twist Little Disasters will also star Andor’s Ben Bailey Smith as Liz’s husband Nick and The History Boys actor Stephen Campbell Moore as Mel’s husband, Rob. Joyner, who has previously starred in Shakespeare & Hathaway and Doctor Who, said of her new role: “We meet Liz at a moment when she has to make an impossible choice between her duty as a doctor and loyalty to her friend. “I’m really looking forward to working alongside this great cast and to start exploring the impact of Liz’s decision.” Kruger has also spoken about the new drama, saying: “I think this series will offer a relatable story which examines the crippling judgement levied upon mothers by society.
The story so wonderfully explores the fragility of reputation, with the rapid unravelling of Jess’ seemingly perfect life. Related: EastEnders’ Linda is shocked by big Keanu news “I can’t wait to begin developing Jess’s character and explore the challenges of motherhood through her eyes.” Production on Little Disasters has already begun, with the series due to be available exclusively on Paramount+ in the UK & Ireland. Joyner first joined EastEnders as Tanya in 2006 and stayed until 2013, before making further appearances between 2015 and 2018. During her time in Albert Square, Tanya endured no shortage of drama, including her husband Max cheating on her with Stacey Slater, dealing with daughter Lauren’s alcoholism and a dangerous romance with Sean Slater.
