Oscar Branning to return to EastEnders for first time in eight years
Branning 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."
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.
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