Oscar Branning Returns: Chaos Unleashed in EastEnders as Iconic Family Reignites Drama
Oscar Branning is back — and he’s wasting no time shaking things up in EastEnders. The troubled teen, played by newcomer Pierre Moullier, returns to Walford next week after an eight-year absence, and fans are in for a bumpy ride.
The youngest son of Max and Tanya Branning is no longer the sweet kid viewers remember. Now older, bolder, and brimming with attitude, Oscar’s comeback spells drama — and not the good kind. His sister Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) is the first to feel the impact, receiving a surprise call that kicks off a highly emotional reunion.
Oscar opens up about where he’s been — and why he can’t go back. What starts as a heartfelt catch-up quickly takes a manipulative turn. Emotional blackmail, anyone? Before Lauren can even process it all, Peter Beale (Thomas Law) and dad Ian (Adam Woodyatt) barge in, suspicious and curious.
Despite the tension, Lauren lets Oscar stay — a move that might come back to haunt her. A cryptic message Oscar receives hints at trouble lurking just beneath the surface.
And sure enough, it isn’t long before the chaos begins. Uncle Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) starts to dig into Oscar’s past. What he finds? A strained relationship with both Max and Tanya, plus a growing list of secrets.
Then things take a devious turn. Oscar hatches a plan to scam Ian Beale, faking a fall at the chippy to bag some cash. But the staged incident spirals out of control when a social worker witnesses the whole thing. Uh-oh…
Jack steps in — again — urging Lauren to give Oscar something real to focus on. A trial shift on the market’s fruit and veg stall seems harmless enough. Lauren throws him a lifeline, calling it his chance to get back on track.
Oscar isn’t keen. Until cousin Penny Branning (Kitty Castledine) gets involved. She uses her charm and clever persuasion to push him into giving it a go.
His first day? Wild. Locals doubt he’ll last five minutes. But when Oscar learns that Lauren’s newborn, Jimmy, is blind, something clicks. He doubles down, determined to make the job work.
Still, nothing stays quiet in Walford for long. With Max Branning’s return looming on the horizon, it’s only a matter of time before things explode.
Oscar was last seen in 2017, played by Charlee Hall, during a Father’s Day visit to Max. Now, Pierre Moullier steps into the role, promising a whirlwind of surprises for the Branning clan.
“It keeps hitting me that I’m actually on Albert Square!” Moullier shared. “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!”
If this is just the beginning, Walford better buckle up. Oscar Branning has arrived — and things will never be the same again.
