The return of Oscar Branning to EastEnders has left fans asking one major question: Where is Tanya Branning? After Oscar’s dramatic entrance into Walford this week, his troubled backstory has taken center stage. But the real mystery is why Tanya, his mother, isn’t by his side, especially after his life has completely spiraled out of control. Let’s dive into the unsettling developments that have unfolded and explore what could be behind Tanya’s absence.

Oscar’s Troubling Backstory: From Peaceful to Troubled

When we last saw Oscar Branning back in 2017, he was living a peaceful life with his mother, Tanya, far removed from the chaos of Walford. Fast forward to the present day, and Oscar has changed drastically. The once-sweet boy is now rebellious, troubled, and emotionally scarred. This week, Oscar revealed to Jack and Lauren that Tanya had kicked him out after a joyriding incident that led to a neighbor’s house being firebombed. For a character known for her fierce protection of her children, this sudden outburst from Tanya is shocking and out of character. What has happened to the once-loving, fiercely protective mother?

The plot thickens when Oscar also reveals that he hasn’t seen his father, Max, since Christmas 2022. So what really happened in the Branning household? How did things go so wrong for Oscar and Tanya? The revelation that Tanya hasn’t been there for him in such a dark moment raises more questions than answers.

Tanya’s Absence: Why Did She Abandon Her Son?

Oscar’s revelation that Tanya never told him about Lauren’s baby being blind adds yet another layer to the mystery. Why did Tanya hide this important news from her son? This sense of disconnect between Oscar and his family paints a picture of a mother who has distanced herself, and fans are left wondering why. Did something happen to cause Tanya to emotionally retreat from her children?

A popular fan theory circulating on Reddit suggests that Tanya could be overwhelmed after the tragic death of her daughter, Abi. Following Abi’s death, Tanya’s life was forever changed, and the weight of that loss might have caused her to retreat from her children in ways she never intended. Could this profound grief have led Tanya to pull away from her son when he needed her the most? Perhaps, as some fans suggest, Tanya may have relied on the system to step in and handle Oscar’s troubles, only to find that the system failed him, leaving him to spiral out of control on his own.

A Brief Recap of Tanya’s Last Appearance

Tanya’s last major appearance in Walford was in 2018, after Abi’s tragic death. Afterward, Tanya was admitted to a psychiatric hospital, and while she reportedly left in 2022, her absence has been glaring. She missed Dot’s funeral, citing a hip injury as the reason for her absence. Since then, she has remained out of the picture, with no real explanation for why she hasn’t returned.

The biggest question now is whether Tanya’s story will be picked up again. With Oscar returning to Walford, the potential for a Tanya return feels more probable than ever. Fans are left wondering whether Tanya will finally make her long-awaited return or if her absence is permanent.

Will Tanya Return? The Million-Dollar Question

The idea of Tanya’s return has been floated by many fans, especially now that Max is back in Walford. This is the perfect opportunity for Tanya to step back into the drama and reconnect with her family, particularly Oscar, who is clearly struggling. As Jo Joyner (who plays Tanya) has previously stated, there’s always room for Tanya’s return as long as she still has family in Walford. With Max’s return, the timing feels right for Tanya to reappear—especially with all the family drama currently unfolding.

A full Branning family reunion could potentially bring even more drama to Walford, especially given Oscar’s current state of crisis. If Tanya were to return now, it could add emotional depth to the ongoing storyline and provide much-needed support to her son and family. Tanya’s strength and complexity could add new layers to the show, and her return would certainly shake up the current dynamics in Walford.

Why Now?

The question on every fan’s mind is why now? Why is Tanya’s return being teased at this particular moment? With Max back in Walford, Oscar struggling, and Lauren barely holding it together, Tanya’s return could be the catalyst that finally brings some stability to the Branning family. The writers may be using this moment of crisis to bring back Tanya, a character who has always been a powerful presence in Walford. Her return could fill a major gap in the current storyline and give the show the emotional depth it’s been missing lately.

What Do You Think?

Will Tanya finally return to Walford, or has she truly turned her back on everything and everyone she once held dear? With the Branning family in turmoil and Oscar desperately needing guidance, it feels like the stage is set for Tanya’s return. We want to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below and share what you think is in store for Tanya Branning. Will she return to reclaim her place in the Branning family, or has she left Walford behind for good?

Stay tuned for more EastEnders spoilers and deep dives as the drama continues to unfold!