Vanessa Gold



Vanessa Gold, played by Zöe Lucker, is a businesswoman who is described as "dynamic and assured" and is a love interest for Max Branning (Jake Wood).[33] The character was announced on 20 March 2010 and will first appear in new executive producer Bryan Kirkwood's first episode originally scheduled for 7 June 2010,[31] though actually broadcast on 4 June.[34] Vanessa was the idea of EastEnders series consultant Simon Ashdown, who wanted a "Zöe Lucker-type" character. Lucker was approached and agreed to take on the role.[31] She said of her casting "I'm a huge fan of the show and I'm really looking forward to working closely with Jake Wood."[33] In a later interview with entertainment website Digital Spy, she said "It just felt so right, especially at this stage in my life. It's so perfect and lovely to be part of such an amazing show."[32] Lucker is Kirkwood's third signing, following the reintroduction of Kat (Jessie Wallace) and Alfie Moon (Shane Richie).[33] Kirkwood commented on the casting: "Zöe Lucker is absolutely perfect for the role of Vanessa. The character is a strong confident force of nature who will play Max at his own game. I can't wait to see Zöe come face to face with Jake Wood on screen."[33] Additionally, a spokesperson said that "[Max and Vanessa] are both volatile and explosive characters and their meeting will be like putting a lit match next to a barrel [of] gunpowder."[35] In an interview with Digital Spy, Kirkwood said Vanessa was strong-minded and quite positive, and they wanted a female character with a different energy to the many "strong, feisty, shouty" women in the show. He added: "She knows that she's likely to rub women up the wrong way and she knows what she wants. But she doesn't intimidate or use bullyboy tactics. She's clever, interesting and she might just have a secret."[31] Lucker described Vanessa as glamourous, a risk-taker who gets bored very easily, complicated, hard-working, laid-back and a doting mother.[32] Although Lucker is from the north of England and EastEnders is set in London, Lucker uses her own accent. Some of the first scenes she filmed required driving a five-and-a-half litre Mercedes, and Lucker had only passed her driving test four weeks previously so was worried she would drive into something.[32] Lucker's initial contract was for seven episodes, with Vanessa appearing to make Max realise he still loves his wife Tanya Branning (Jo Joyner). Four days after the character first appeared on screen, it was announce that Lucker had signed a new contract to appear more permanently, as EastEnders producers were so impressed with Lucker's performance.[36]

Vanessa arrives in Albert Square to buy a car from Branning and Son. After buying a car from Max, she gives him her card and leaves in her own car, which she says is one of many. Later, Max calls her offering an aftercare package. She returns to sign her paperwork where she and Max kiss. She then takes the car for a test drive, after which she puts her wedding ring back on, and hands the keys to her daughter Jodie