EastEnders' CONFIRM fan favourite returning to BBC soap after eight-years away from Albert Square
Oscar Branning is heading back to Albert Square after eight years away from EastEnders.
The character, who hasn't featured in a storyline since 2017, is being recast with newcomer Pierre Moullier stepping into the role previously played by Charlee Hall.
Oscar is the son of Tanya Branning, who left Walford years ago to escape her volatile marriage, taking a young Oscar with her.
His last on-screen appearance was a fleeting one nearly a decade ago, when he returned briefly to celebrate Father's Day with Max at the Queen Vic.
Now 17, Oscar has mostly stayed out of the family chaos in the past, unlike his sisters Lauren and Abi.
But with his return next month, it looks like drama is on the horizon - and this time, Oscar may be stepping into the spotlight himself.
Sharing his excitement about joining the soaps cast, Pierre told The Mirror: 'It's pretty surreal to join EastEnders - it keeps hitting me that I'm actually on Albert Square.
'Oscar is so much fun to play, and the audience should be prepared for the unexpected as he's a complex guy!'
Meanwhile executive producer Ben Wadey gushed: 'I'm very excited to bring Oscar Branning back to Walford and introduce viewers to him now that he's all grown up.'
Ben promised plenty of drama as he brings Oscar's character back to life for viewers.
But Oscar's character is not the only one to be making a comeback, actor Jake Wood is also set to reprise his role as Max Branning later this year.
His return comes a year after he celebrated being sober for over 20 years in December 2023.
The actor, 52, opened up about his past struggles with alcohol as he filmed himself from his hot tub while reflecting on life.
The soap star wore a woolly hat as he enjoyed a cigar while sending an inspirational message to his followers.
Posting on Twitter, he said: 'So I'm sat here in a hot tub, having a cigar, it's pretty cool.
'And just reflecting on how grateful I am for all the amazing things I've got in my life. I've got an amazing family, beautiful family, fantastic friends. Everyone is happy and healthy.
'Also, and I don't really talk about this often, I just want to say that tonight I'm 20 years sober. [I] stopped drinking 20 years ago tonight and that changed my life in so many ways.
'It's immeasurable. So anyone on the same journey, I send you love and support, and if anyone's struggling there's help out there, alright?'
He signed off by saying: 'You can do it. Love you guys. Happy New Year.'
Jake captioned the post: 'I am 20 years sober tonight. So proud of myself and for anyone out there on a similar journey.
'If you are struggling there is help out there, please reach out and believe me if I did it you can too. Sending you all love & strength and a happy and healthy 2024.'
Jake was inundated with support from friends and fans, including some of his former co-stars.
Musician Nitin Sawhney wrote: 'Congratulations and have a great new year, Jake.'
Danny Robbins, writer of West End production 2:22 A Ghost Story which Jake Wood has starred in, penned: 'Well done Jake. Great achievement. Happy New Year. See you soon x'.
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