It's going to be a dramatic summer in EastEnders after Oscar Branning made his way home, bringing trouble with him.
After the return of Penny Branning (Kitty Castledine) and her cousin Lauren on New Year's Day in 2024, the Branning brood just got bigger as Oscar returned after eight years.
Oscar was last seen on screen in 2017 when he made a brief visit to his dad, Max Branning (Jake Wood), on Father’s Day.
The reason behind Oscar's return was revealed when his sister Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) received an out-of-the-blue call to pick up Oscar from the youth detention centre.
Lauren was stunned to learn that the 17-year-old had been kicked out by their mum, Tanya Branning (Jo Joyner), after his gangster friend 'Fat Mike' tried to petrol bomb their home.
Oscar convinced Lauren to let him move in on the promise that he would behave, but with the gang still pursuing him, Lauren's life is bound to be turned upside down.
Since he last appeared in the soap as a nine-year-old, here's a refresher on who Oscar Branning is as he makes his return to EastEnders...
Who is Oscar Branning in EastEnders?
Oscar Branning was born on screen in 2007 and is the son of notorious womaniser Max and his wife, Tanya Branning. He is also the brother of Lauren and the late Abi Branning (Lorna Fitzgerald).
Oscar last appeared as a child when Max's brother Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) arranged for him to see his son on Father's Day after Tanya took Oscar to Exeter following the breakdown of their marriage.
New executive producer Ben Wadey has reintroduced Oscar to the soap after already making an impact when he brought Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) back after two decades.
He said of Oscar's return: “I’m very excited to bring Oscar Branning back to Walford and introduce viewers to him now that he’s all grown up.
"Oscar is very much a Branning, which means there’s going to be plenty of drama in store this summer. We’re delighted to welcome Pierre as he takes on the role and can’t wait for viewers to see him bring Oscar to life.”
Trouble soon ensued once Oscar reunited with his sister as he spotted the gang nearby and hid along with Lauren, Peter Beale (Thomas Law) and Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt).
Lauren and Peter attempted to impersonate police officers to scare them away, but as the thugs pulled out a cricket bat, Oscar hijacked a van and drove them all back to Albert Square where he soon came face-to-face with his uncle Jack.
Since then, he's already caused all sorts of mischief, including scamming Ian for cash and has even managed to secure work on the Beale's fruit and veg stall.
Who plays Oscar Branning in EastEnders?
Newcomer Pierre Moullier has been cast as Oscar, taking over the role from twins Charlee and Neo Hall.
Pierre has previously acted in Netflix's Fate: The Winx Saga and the Channel 4 series Cast Offs. He also has appeared in a number of stage productions such as The Second Woman, The Grand Duke of Florence and Cries from the Heart.
Speaking of joining the show, Pierre said: “It’s pretty surreal to join EastEnders - it keeps hitting me that I’m actually on Albert Square! When I found out I was joining the Brannings, it was so exciting as they are such an iconic family, and I love that there are so many skeletons in the closet.
"Oscar is so much fun to play, and the audience should be prepared for the unexpected as he’s a complex guy!”
What happened to Oscar Branning in EastEnders?
Oscar is the third child of Max and Tanya Branning who was born in the midst of Max's affair with daughter-in-law Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner).
After experiencing the highs and lows of Albert Square and his parents' turbulent marriage, Tanya and Oscar moved to Exeter in 2013 when she split from Max.
Oscar made a few brief returns in 2014 and 2015 when Max was arrested and charged with Lucy Beale's (Hetti Bywater) murder. His final appearance was on Father's Day in 2017 after Tanya wouldn't allow Max to see Oscar due to his part in conning the neighbours in revenge for being falsely imprisoned for murder.
Since then, Oscar has been living away from Walford with Tanya and told Jack that he last saw Max at Christmas in 2022. However, it won't be long until he becomes reacquainted with his estranged dad as it's been confirmed Jake Wood will be reprising the role later this year.
Jake said of returning to EastEnders: “I’m over the moon to be coming home to Walford. Max has got lots of unresolved drama with many characters, so I’m sure he’ll be busy. I’m excited to see what he’s been up to, and what is next for the character, but if his last 15 years in the Square are anything to go by, I’m sure there will be plenty of chaos.”
EastEnders Executive Producer, Ben Wadey added: “I’m delighted to welcome the immensely talented Jake Wood back to the role of Max Branning. Whilst his character has only been away from Albert Square for four years, Walford, and the lives of those who live in it, have changed immensely. Max has a lot of unfinished business, but whether he is welcomed by his family remains to be seen. However, with a past as checkered as Max’s, it’s fair to say that many Walford residents will not be pleased to see him, putting the Brannings back at the heart of the Square, and the drama, this year.”
EastEnders airs Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 7.30 pm on BBC One — see our TV Guide for full listings. You can also catch up on episodes on BBC iPlayer now.
