BBC EastEnders has issued a major update as an iconic character returns to Albert Square.
Oscar Branning will return to the BBC soap aged 17 and will be played by Pierre Moullier(Image: BBC)
Soap fans are used to the tumult of favourite characters coming and going. But one major BBC EastEnders update seems likely to delight viewers.
It’s been revealed that an iconic character will return to Albert Square after eight years off screen – Oscar Branning. The son of Max Branning (Jake Wood) and Tanya Cross (Jo Joyner) will return to the BBC soap aged 17 and will be played by Pierre Moullier, having previously been portrayed by Gabriel Miller-Williams, Neo Hall and Charlee Hall.
Moullier 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.”
Oscar is son of Max and Tanya Branning (Image: BBC)
Producers have kept the reason for his return secret, but say it will be revealed when his older sister, Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa), receives a mysterious call, with Oscar’s return set to “turn her life upside down”.
EastEnders executive producer Ben Wadey said: “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.”
Oscar last appeared in the show when he visited Max on Father’s Day in 2017, before returning to Exeter, where he lived with his mother.
The character is expected to return to Albert Square next month, with Moullier already filming scenes for the show.
Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) has also returned (Image: BBC)
Earlier this month we reported the return of another show legend – Zoe Slater, played by Michelle Ryan. The star reprised her role as Zoe after 20 years off screen, returning to Albert Square in the June 16 episode.
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Her character’s exit came after one of the most iconic scenes in recent history, when she screamed at Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) in the middle of the square “you ain’t my muvva.” To which Kat emotionally responded: “Yes I am,” revealing she wasn’t her sister as she’d always thought, but her biological mum.
Ryan’s appearance marked her first since departing Albert Square back in 2005 and was the first of three last week.
The BBC has confirmed that Ryan will return full-time later in the summer.