EastEnders legend branded 'stunning' as she poses in a minidress after 5st weight loss

EastEnders actress Lorraine Stanley looked sensational as she showed off the results of her hard work and dedication after shedding five stone over one year.

Lorraine, 47, who was known for playing Karen Taylor on the popular BBC soap until announcing her departure last year, dazzled in a chic black sundress as she celebrated the 50th birthday of one of her pals.

In the snap, the soap star put on a glam display as she sported the stylish minidress which she paired with some red strappy heels for an added pop of colour. To finish off the look Lorraine wore her hair in loose blow dry curls.

Meanwhile in another pic, Lorraine gave fans a glimpse inside the fun-filled birthday celebrations as she and her friends posed for a snap on the dancefloor as they waved their arms in the air.

Captioning the snaps, the TV icon wrote: “What a great night!!! @karenstanley_74 @dstanley80 @junegoldring @sophiestanley_93 & Lucy …proper funny banter all night ,cheers girls ,great memories of Karen’s 50th to Jeep forever.”

In response to the selection of photographs, Lorraine’s Instagram followers were quick to flood her comments section with messages of support.

“You look fab Lorrain well done you,” wrote one. “You look incredible!,” another added. While a third wrote: “Legs 11! Stunning. Eastenders just ain’t the same without you.”

The photos come after Lorraine shared an exciting career update following her exit from EastEnders. Earlier this month the actress revealed that she has an incredible opportunity lined up.

Just three months after last being seen on our screens, Lorraine has revealed that she is heading to her hometown to star as Queen Rat in this year’s Dick Whittington pantomime in Portsmouth.

For the project, Lorraine will be performing at the Kings Theatre over the Christmas period later this year, with the pantomime stint allowing her to reunite with West End actor Jack Edwards.

Announcing the news earlier this month, she wrote: “I can't wait for this!!!! Panto in my home town with me old mate Jack Edwards is going to be epic!!! Ratty is coming to play Kings Theatre get your tickets early and I'll see you after the show Xxx.”

But as well as getting set to take to the panto stage, Lorraine has been busy filming a new film called Departures where she will play a character named Janet, the mother of the main character Benji, who returns to Amsterdam after having a steamy affair with a married man.