Oscar Branning’s Comeback: Walford Gets a New Wildcard
Nothing stirs up chatter in Albert Square like a Branning drama, and this week, EastEnders just dropped a bombshell—Oscar Branning is back. Fans barely recognised the once-sweet kid, now played by Pierre Moullier, after an eight-year absence. He’s not just older, he’s changed—bringing heartbreak, big revelations, and some explosive trouble along for the ride.
Oscar’s grand reentry wasn’t exactly subtle. After being released from a youth offender’s centre where he served a three-month sentence, his reputation precedes him. It’s all down to a reckless joyride gone bad—Oscar and his mate, the mysterious 'Fat Mike,' stole a car, but things turned sour when Oscar told police Mike’s name. That's not the sort of thing that goes down quietly in Walford.
Family Fallout and New Friction in the Square
His sister, Lauren Branning, didn’t know what she was in for when they reunited. She’s trying to figure out if this is the younger brother she knew or someone she barely recognises. And why wouldn’t she be wary? Not only is Oscar back on the Square, but he’s also now carrying the label of ‘snitch’ after turning Mike in to the cops. Mike didn’t take it lying down—he petrol-bombed a neighbour’s house after Oscar cunningly switched house numbers. The web of danger is now tighter, as street retaliation is always lurking. With Mike out for revenge, Oscar can't let his guard down for a second.
Oscar’s bisexuality isn’t just a throwaway character note—it’s becoming a central part of his story. Viewers see him described as a ‘camp, chaotic legend’. This twist has struck a chord with younger fans looking for more diverse representation in soap characters. He’s finally bringing a mess of real-life identity complexities and drama that Walford hasn’t seen in some time.
But not everyone’s rolling out the welcome mat. Lauren’s husband, Peter Beale, is uneasy about Oscar’s presence, especially with a house full of kids. Probation officers are getting involved, evaluating whether Oscar deserves a chance to start over or if he’s just trouble waiting to happen. Crisis meetings and hushed arguments behind closed doors show just how tense the Branning household is getting. It’s not only about Oscar’s safety; Walford isn’t known for being forgiving when danger lingers on the doorstep.
That sense of uncertainty grows with each passing episode. Oscar’s struggles with family trust, outsider status, and his own identity promise a season packed with emotional highs and lows. Throw in a vengeful ex-friend and a constantly skeptical Square, and it’s clear he’s either going to crash hard or become the next big thing in Walford legend.
So, what does Oscar Branning’s future hold? Fans are glued to their screens, waiting to see if the Square can handle the chaos—because, right now, peace in Walford is just a distant memory.
