April is originally introduced as the sister of established character Carol Jackson (Lindsey Coulson), and later Derek (Terence Beesley/Jamie Foreman), Suzy Branning (Julie Christian-Young/Maggie O'Neill), Max (Jake Wood) and Jack (Scott Maslen).

April had been living and working in Greece for eight years selling time-share apartments, where she met and got engaged to a native named Nikos (Yorgos Glastras).

April returns to Walford in July to visit her sister, and after meeting the market inspector Michael Rose (Russell Floyd), to whom she is attracted to, she decides to stay.

She gets herself a job working in Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth)'s café, where she is witness to her brother-in-law's flirtations with the vindictive Frankie Pierre (Syan Blake).

Eleven years later it is revealed that April is still living in Greece, and is unable to attend her nephew Bradley (Charlie Clements)'s wedding to Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner).

In August 1996, less than a year after her arrival, it was announced that actress Debbie Arnold was quitting her role as April Branning, despite previously being quoted as saying "If they try to get rid of me, I'll chain myself to the railings of Albert Square.

[1] According to The Mirror, "the show's bosses are planning a sensational storyline for her departure - April will start a steamy affair with her screen sister's husband Alan, played by Howard Anthony.