EastEnders’ Jacqueline Jossa’s tribute to her on-screen sister

 "I will miss you being my little sister."

EastEnders' Jacqueline Jossa admitted she found Friday night's episode "hard to watch" after her on-screen sister played by Lorna Fitzgerald passed away. Lauren and Abi Branning fell off the roof of the pub in Albert Square on Christmas Day, after they tried to stop their dad Max  from taking his own life. They were rushed to the hospital and Lauren (Jossa) managed to pull through, while Abi's life hung in the balance. In heartbreaking scenes that aired on Friday night, Abi's life support machine was switched off and she passed away. In a series of social media posts, Jossa paid tribute to her co-star. She wrote on Instagram:

"RIP Abi Branning. "Filled with sadness watching that episode. Will miss being your big sister lorna. "Thank you for all the lovely comments. The journey has been amazing and it was a beautiful but emotional end. Hope you all “enjoyed” the ep! #ripabibranning."

https://www.instagram.com/p/BeJeoIqlX9T/?hl=en&taken-by=jacjossa The actress also took to Twitter, where she said she would miss Lorna "being my little sister". She wrote:

"I found that hard to watch  RIP beautiful abi Branning. @LornaFitz0 I will miss you being my little sister  x x"

Lorna was quick to reply, where she opened up about the "bumpy but brilliant road the Branning sisters have been on". She wrote:

"Woah that baby photo scene was hard hitting.  It's been a pleasure to work with you! "What a bumpy but brilliant road the Branning sisters have been on!! X"