Oscar Branning has made a grand return to EastEnders this week, kickstarting BBC soap boss Ben Wadey’s vision to strengthen the family.

Speaking of actor Pierre Moullier’s casting in the role, the executive producer 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.’

It’ll soon become apparent that he’s landed himself in hot water, and his family will be forced to rally around to settle him down.

Before long, he cements himself in Albert Square history, taking over the fruit and veg stall.

The character, who was born on screen in 2007, is the son of Max (Jake Wood) and Tanya Branning (Jo Joyner).

This makes him the youngest brother of Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) and the late Bradley and Abi (Charlie Clements and Lorna Fitzgerald). Oscar also has a younger sister, Annie, who he’s yet to learn of.

She was born as a result of a brief romance between Max and Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), and with the child living on Albert Square, it can’t be long before the siblings are introduced!

The last time we saw Oscar, he was portrayed by child star Charlee Hall, who had shared the role with his brother Neo. As a result, he was never at the centre of a huge story – though could be heard quite prominently during the reveal of Max’s affair with Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) in 2007.

Following the explosive fall out in that iconic Christmas Day episode, the youngster was crying upstairs. Tanya rushed to attend to him and pack her bags, and was sent tumbling down the staircase.

Since 2013 he’s been living with his mum in Exeter, though occasionally took trips to visit Max.

Why did Max Branning leave EastEnders?

The character was last seen in the Square in 2021 when series star Jake quit to pursue other projects.

Max decided it was time to leave to join daughter Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) and grandson Louie in New Zealand. 

However, shortly afterwards, he was based in France. His brother Jack (Scott Maslen) paid him a visit, bringing along Max’s granddaughter Abi Jr to they could reunite.

When Jack returned to Walford, he revealed that his brother had fled to Croatia to raise the child.

It’s not known how long it’s been since Oscar and Max last saw one another, but there’s bound to be some tension upon the latter’s return later this summer.

Who is actor Pierre Moullier?

Pierre Moullier has starred in a number of productions at The Young Vic theatre, including The Surplus and My England.

In 2019, he played Aaron in BBC Three short Oi, Pussy. In the same year he was a stunt performer in Netflix’s Fate: The Winx Saga.

EastEnders is his first major screen role – and a number of fans have already picked up on how strikingly similar he is in appearance to on-screen father Jake Wood.