The return of Oscar Branning to EastEnders has got fans buzzing — but there’s one huge question on everyone’s mind: Where is Tanya Branning? After Oscar’s dramatic entrance into Walford this week, it’s clear that something went very wrong in his life — and his mother’s absence is now a glaring hole in the story. Let’s break it down and dive into the mystery of Tanya’s disappearance.

Oscar’s Troubling Backstory: From Peaceful to Troubled 😔

When we last saw Oscar back in 2017, he was living a peaceful life with Tanya, far removed from the chaos of Walford. Fast forward to now, and the once sweet kid has become rebellious and emotionally troubled. This week, Oscar revealed to Jack and Lauren that Tanya kicked him out after a joyriding incident ended with a neighbor’s house being firebombed. Ouch.

But the bombshell doesn’t stop there. Oscar hasn’t seen Max since Christmas 2022. What happened between mother and son? The fact that Tanya kicked Oscar out is hard to swallow, especially considering her fiercely protective nature when it came to her children. For many fans, this feels out of character for Tanya — so what could have gone so wrong?

Tanya’s Absence: What Went Wrong? 🤔

Oscar’s revelation that Tanya never told him about Lauren’s baby being blind is another crushing moment. This highlights just how disconnected Oscar has become from his own family. Why didn’t Tanya tell him? That’s a big question hanging in the air, and viewers are speculating why Tanya seems to have abandoned her son when he needed her most.

One popular fan theory on Reddit suggests that Tanya could be totally overwhelmed. After the tragic death of Abi, Tanya’s life changed dramatically. It’s possible that this loss, paired with everything else going on, might have caused Tanya to retreat into herself, leaving her children behind in ways she never intended.

Another theory suggests Tanya might have been relying on the system to step in, hoping the authorities would sort it out — but that clearly hasn’t happened. Fans are left asking: Where is Tanya? And why hasn’t she been there for her son in his darkest time?

A Brief Recap of Tanya’s Last Appearance 🕵️‍♂️

Tanya left Walford in 2013, moving to Exeter with Lauren and Oscar, largely for Lauren’s rehab. After Lauren returned to Walford alone, Tanya stayed behind, and we’ve only seen brief glimpses of her since. The last time we saw Tanya in Walford was in 2018 after Abi’s tragic death. She was admitted to a psychiatric hospital shortly after, and though she reportedly left in 2022, she didn’t attend Dot’s funeral due to a hip injury. Her absence has been noticeable, and now, with Oscar back in Walford, fans are left wondering if her story will be picked up again.

Will Tanya Return? The Million-Dollar Question 💰

The big question on every EastEnders fan’s mind: Will Tanya return to Walford? While the BBC hasn’t confirmed it and Jo Joyner (who plays Tanya) hasn’t announced a return, the door is wide open. With Max back in the fold, it’s possible that Tanya could make her return, especially with all the family drama unfolding. A full Branning family reunion? It’s definitely within the realm of possibility, and it would surely bring fireworks!

Fans remember that back in 2019, Jo Joyner herself mentioned in an interview with The Sun that there’s always room for Tanya’s return, as long as she still has family in Walford. So while it’s not a definite “yes,” it’s certainly not a “no” either. Tanya’s return could shake things up in Walford in a major way, especially with Oscar in crisis and Lauren barely holding it together.

Why Now? 🤯

With Max back in Walford, it feels like the perfect time for Tanya to make her grand return. Oscar’s in turmoil, Lauren’s struggling, and Max is already back on the scene — so bringing Tanya back into the fold would make perfect sense. Her return could really bring the complexity and strength that EastEnders is lacking right now in its female characters.

What Do You Think? 💬

Will Tanya finally return to Walford, or has she truly turned her back on it all? We all want answers, and it feels like the EastEnders writers are setting the stage for something huge! Drop your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to hit subscribe for more EastEnders spoilers and deep dives. It looks like Walford is in for another dramatic ride!