Former EastEnders actress Kierston Wareing, best known for playing the fiery Kirsty Branning, looks dramatically different more than a decade after her dramatic exit from Albert Square. The star, who famously crashed Max Branning's wedding in a 2012 Christmas Day episode, has swapped the spotlight of Walford for a quieter life, which includes selling pre-owned fashion online.
From Soap Star to Online Seller
Kierston Wareing joined the BBC One soap in 2012, making an immediate impact by revealing she was still married to Max Branning during his wedding to Tanya Cross. Her character's turbulent romance with the Walford lothario was a central storyline until she departed for good in 2014 after finalising their divorce.
Now, over eleven years since her last appearance, the actress has undergone a striking transformation. Gone is the signature blonde hair her character sported; Wareing now favours a brunette look. While she has stepped back from full-time acting, she hasn't left the industry entirely.
Life After the Square
Despite her shift away from constant public attention, Kierston Wareing continues to take on selective acting projects. She recently appeared in a supporting role in the Matt Smith-led series The Death of Bunny Munro. She also had a stint on Channel 4's Hollyoaks in 2015, playing the villainous Ashley Davidson, a character she described as not having "a nice bone in her body".
However, a significant part of her current focus is on her online venture. On her Instagram page, which boasts nearly 9,000 followers, she regularly promotes items for sale from her eBay account. She sells a range of clothing from high-street brands like ASOS and Tesco's F&F, with prices starting from just £2.
Surreal Soap Memories
Reflecting on her time in EastEnders, Wareing has described the experience as "bizarre" and "surreal", having grown up watching the show. "Suddenly I’m on the Square and I am seeing legendary characters like Sharon, who I have grown up watching," she recalled. She also shared a memorable moment when June Brown, who played Dot Cotton, walked into The Vic, making her feel like she had "jumped into your own TV set".
Meanwhile, EastEnders continues to entertain fans with its festive drama. A Christmas special aired on BBC One on Christmas Day at 7:45pm, promising the usual helping of seasonal twists and turns for residents of Albert Square.
