Soap star and new mother Jacqueline Jossa said she is “itching” for a return to the EastEnders cast, having endured a year-long speculation about her relationship with fiance Dan Osborne.

The 23-year-old, currently on hiatus in her role as Lauren Branning in the BBC series, said she has had to delete social media apps after responding to allegations about former The Only Way Is Essex (Towie) regular Dan.

Jacqueline, who gave birth to daughter Ella last year, told The Sun On Sunday’s Fabulous magazine: “There are people who have always had it in for us, a million per cent. Definitely, and I know who they are. And then a lot of people just jumped on the bandwagon and tried to create drama.”

Jacqueline Jossa and Dan Osbourne
Jacqueline and Dan seen before the arrival of baby Ella (Yui Mok/PA)

She said her family has become “an easy target” for online trolls, and added: “I’m a very outspoken person, so I have to delete tweets after I post them a lot of the time.

“I deleted all the apps off my phone for a couple of months when it was getting really bad and I just got on with my life instead. Why am I even paying attention to ‘Gaz1237′ anyway? Like, who the hell are you?”

Jacqueline is due to return to Albert Square later this year after taking a break from filming to have Ella.

Jacqueline Jossa
Jacqueline is hoping for some sad story lines on her return (Ian West/PA)

She said: “I’ve been itching to get back, and I get jealous when I see it.

“I love a big, angry storyline. I just want more pain. It’s boring when they’re happy.

“EastEnders is best at misery, sadness and anger, and I just miss screaming, crying – they’re the scenes I am best at.”