EastEnders’ Jo Joyner stars in new drama Little Disasters, alongside Hollywood actress Diane Kruger, as she undergoes a hair transformation for her role as Liz
Diane Kruger has taken a break from Tinseltown to shine in a new British TV series with former EastEnders star Jo Joyner – an experience she admits has been quite draining.
Once familiar to BBC One audiences as the loving yet troubled mum Tanya Branning, 47 year old Jo navigated storylines that took her character through betrayal and heartbreak.
During her time at Albert Square, Tanya found out about her husband Max’s (played by Jake Wood) affair with Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner), his son’s partner.
However, it was the heartrending loss of her daughter Abi that led to Tanya’s departure from Walford in 2018, ending her emotional 12-year journey on the show.
Jo now joins forces with Kruger in Paramount+’s Little Disasters, a riveting psychological thriller where they play best friends whose lives are turned upside down by dark secrets.
Hollywood A-lister Diane Kruger, famed for her roles in smash hits like Inglourious Basterds and National Treasure, confessed that the swift pace of filming Little Disasters was a whirlwind to keep up with; the series was filmed across Budapest, France, and London.
“It was an exhausting job,” Diane shared regarding her stint on the six-part drama. “I don’t do that much TV so you forget how fast it is and how much work you have to do in a day. It feels like you’re putting out a thousand fires just to get through the day. I found it very tiring.”
Diane, at 48 years old, takes on the role of Jess in what is a riveting portrayal of motherhood on the brink. Playing a mum battling to keep it together as she navigates her children’s challenges – with one child potentially on the autism spectrum – and a marriage to Ed (JJ Feild) that’s crumbling under the stress.
Diane says of her character: “Jess has a lot on her plate with her son possibly being on the spectrum. It’s a lot of work,” going on to share, “Her youngest isn’t an easy baby, either. There’s a strain on her and she doesn’t want to admit she needs help. She feels ashamed for failing.”
Jess’ ordeal is set against the backdrop of her friendship circle, which includes Liz (Jo), Charlotte (Shelley Conn), and Mel (Emily Taaffe). Their bond, formed through new motherhood and cemented with getaways and chit-chat, is put to the test after Jess’ baby lands in hospital with a serious injury.
Amidst the ensuing turmoil, Jess faces intense scrutiny. Her parenting skills are called into question, her skeptical stance on vaccines becomes a hot topic, and suspicion grows – rapidly fuelled when Liz, who works as a doctor, feels compelled to report the incident to social services.
Jo, aged 47 and playing the conflicted Liz, offers insights into her role: “When you become a mother, your friendships refine. Liz and Jess are polar opposites in their parenting, but they’re close. I loved playing someone who isn’t afraid to speak her mind.”
Additionally, Jo found personal resonance within her character: “Liz feels like she’s never enough for everyone,” she reflects. “I identified with that. A lot of women do.”
Jo has found camaraderie in her own circle of mum friends and the show’s core conflict resonated with her. She shared, “We’re all mums,” and conveyed the palpable tension that would arise if any of them had to turn on each other: “It would put a bomb among us if one of us had to report another.”
Diane candidly spoke about her experience joining a British-led series, reflecting her character Jess’ sense of not belonging. She admitted her initial unfamiliarity with her fellow cast members: “I wasn’t familiar with all these great actors.”
But Jo’s support made a difference: “I felt a little bit like Jess, like the odd one out. But I really enjoyed working with Jo. We have most of our scenes together. She was so great and so supportive.”
Shelley Conn plays the enigmatic Charlotte, possessing everything yet battling feelings of inadequacy. Shelley commented on her character’s inner struggle: “There’s something missing in her life. That’s a tough thing for any woman to confront, especially mothers.”
Emily Taaffe revealed the concealed troubles of her character Mel, whose partner Rob, played by Stephen Campbell Moore, is both domineering and fickle. “There’s so much going on behind closed doors”, she says. “I liked playing that.”
Despite delving into weighty themes, their set atmosphere was not devoid of fun moments. Shelley remarked on the cast dynamic: “We all got on really well,” noting their shared experiences: “We had so much in common.”
Jo recalled the blend of relaxation and professionalism they maintained off-camera: “It was a mix of good wine, nice meals and bed by 11pm.”
Yet for Diane, balancing work with personal life didn’t always allow for a wind down, due to her responsibilities as a mother: “I have a six-year-old daughter,” she explained, underlining the need to separate her role from her home life: “I can’t bring Jess’ intensity home.”
Little Disasters explores the intricate emotional landscape of motherhood, touching on postnatal depression, which impacts over 10% of women in the UK, as per NHS figures.
Other research, such as a study by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, indicates that depression affects about 15–20% of new mothers within the first year after giving birth.
The character Jess’ concerning actions are soon associated with this condition, a portrayal Diane found challenging yet crucial. “It was the toughest part for me,” she admits, “but the more you talk about it, the more you realise how common it is.”
Shelley concurs, noting, “There’s an illiteracy around these issues. We need to bring them into the open.” Diane also touches upon another tough aspect of being a mum, confessing, “The mum guilt is real. I wouldn’t have survived without a community of other mothers.
“Motherhood can be extraordinary, but it also stirs up fears. We’re judged by others, even by other women. But your harshest critic is always yourself.”
