Former EastEnders star Lorraine Stanley showed off her incredible weight-loss as she prepares to star in a gritty new drama. Lorraine, 49, will feature in Cash In Hand – a comedy-drama set in Essex – her first major role since leaving Albert Square last year.

The mum-of-one, who married her long-term partner Mark Perez in August, has told how she underwent weight-loss surgery after becoming “immune” to jabs. Lorraine has shed 6.5 stone since she left the flagship BBC soap in 2024 after playing Karen Taylor for seven years.

The actress said she paid “an awful lot of money” to have a gastric sleeve fitted at a London clinic two years ago. Lorraine said: “It’s hands-down the best thing I’ve ever done – both for me and for my family.”

She said she had previously tried weight-loss jab Wegovy, but felt it eventually stopped working for her as she became “immune” to the treatment. Lorraine shared pictures with her social media followers to show her weight loss journey.

She also praised a nutritionist friend who “clued her up” when it came to what she was eating. Lorraine says daily workouts and a well-balanced diet has had a positive impact.

Lorraine added: “I’m enjoying it and I feel better for it. I’ve eaten a lot of boiled eggs, fish, chicken, no carbs, no crisps and no chocolate.”

In a recent Instagram post, Lorraine looked completely different to her time on the Square, as she dolled herself up in a thick leopard-print coat and golden hoops as part of her character in the upcoming show. She was joined pointing at the camera with co-star and River City star Sonny Green, as the pair had a laugh together whilst cameras had stopped rolling.

Writing in the comments section of the post, Lorraine penned: “What a day! Thanks for having me, loved every minute with you beautiful lot,” followed by an OK hand gesture and a love heart. “So much talent, great energy and good vibes; I look forward to seeing you all soon.”

Co-star Sonny responded to the comment, writing: “YOU’RE THE BEST LORRAINE! Keep smashing it; the world ain’t ready for what we’re cooking up.”

Actress Lorraine is moving onto pastures new after she briefly popped up in Walford for a guest cameo last year, but poured cold water on a return to the Square any time soon. Speaking to the Sun at the time, she said: “Once you’ve done a soap, you’ve done a soap; at the moment I wouldn’t go back, I’m happy doing what I’m doing.”

However, she has said that BBC bosses have always said she is welcome to go back to EastEnders as and when she wants to — a move she has not ruled out forever. “They’ve left the door open, so never say never. I made that special appearance and it was nice to see everyone and be a part of the family again,” she added.