EastEnders viewers have been given a shocking update on Oscar Branning’s troubled life as he continues to wreak havoc in Walford. Since his arrival fresh out of a youth detention center, Oscar has proven to be a handful, leaving a trail of chaos behind him. His estrangement from his father, Max Branning, has only deepened his sense of rebellion and confusion, and his behavior has raised a lot of questions about what truly lies beneath the surface.
Oscar, portrayed by Pierre Moullier, has had a turbulent history, and his recent actions have shown just how far he’s willing to push those around him. After being caught up in a series of incidents, including sponging money off Peter Beale and causing trouble with Ian Beale, Oscar’s true nature is beginning to unfold. But despite his defiant attitude, it’s clear that Oscar’s issues run deeper than just being a bad boy. His complex relationship with his father, Max, is at the heart of his pain.
Oscar finally opens up to Jack Branning (Scott Maslen), revealing a significant turning point in his life. In a candid conversation, Oscar admits to Jack that his sexuality has been a source of internal conflict, especially after developing feelings for his ex-girlfriend’s father. This revelation sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Oscar’s emotional struggles, which have been quietly simmering beneath his surface-level antics.
However, the biggest revelation comes when Oscar finally addresses his father. “The last time I saw Max was Christmas 2022,” Oscar confesses to Jack. Max Branning has been living in Croatia with his granddaughter, Abi Jr., leaving Oscar to fend for himself. Despite Lauren Branning’s (Jacqueline Jossa) attempts to reach out to Max for support, it seems that Oscar has been left to navigate life without any meaningful connection to his father.
Oscar’s difficult relationship with Max is something he clearly struggles to accept, and it plays a major role in his behavior. Although he may act out in public and cause trouble at every turn, his desire for a father figure remains. The need for guidance and affection is evident when Oscar pretends to injure himself at Molly’s, in an attempt to get attention and perhaps manipulate his way into gaining sympathy or control. The staged incident with Ian Beale is yet another sign of Oscar’s emotional turmoil and his desire for attention, even if it comes in the form of manipulation.
Will this conversation with Jack be the turning point that Oscar needs? Can Jack, who has his own issues with family and personal redemption, help Oscar find a better path? Or will Oscar’s past with Max continue to haunt him, preventing him from finding peace and stability?
As the tension grows, Oscar’s story is shaping up to be one of the most compelling arcs in EastEnders. His relationship with his estranged father and the deep-seated issues surrounding his past are bound to come to a head. With Jack’s intervention, perhaps Oscar will finally get the help he needs—or perhaps his rebellious streak will be too strong to overcome.
Will Oscar ever reconcile with Max, or is his fractured relationship with his father the key to his self-destruction? Stay tuned for more emotional twists ahead in EastEnders.