Oscar Branning – Who Plays Him in 2025 and What Happened

Oscar Branning, the youngest son of Max Branning and Tanya Cross, has returned to EastEnders after an eight‑year absence. The character, first introduced in 2007, is now played by a new actor, Pierre Counihan‑Moullier, and the recast has brought a wave of adult storylines that explore youth offending, bisexuality, and family conflict. Viewers wondering who now steps into the role and what exactly happened to Oscar will find the answers here.

The recast was announced as part of the show’s effort to reintroduce legacy characters with deeper, more mature arcs. Oscar’s return in 2025 marks a turning point for the Branning family, as he arrives in Walford carrying the weight of a troubled past. This article compiles the verified facts about both the actor and the character, drawing on publicly available sources.

Who Plays Oscar Branning in 2025?

The role is now performed by Pierre Counihan‑Moullier, an English actor born in 2000 to a French father and an Irish mother. He took over in 2025 from a succession of child actors who had previously portrayed Oscar as a baby and toddler.

• Oscar Branning is currently portrayed by Pierre Counihan‑Moullier as of 2025.
• The character returned after a long absence with a storyline involving gangs and car theft.
• Pierre Counihan‑Moullier is also known for roles such as in Cast Offs.
• Fans often search for the actor’s real name to distinguish him from the fictional character.
• The actor’s resemblance to a young Hugh Grant has been noted in online discussions.
• Oscar was quickly established as bisexual after his return, leading to a romance plot involving twins Jasmine and Josh.
• The recast allows the show to explore more mature themes with a legacy character.

For full actor biography, see
Pierre Counihan‑Moullier on Wikipedia.
Family background is detailed on the
Oscar Branning Wikipedia page.

What Happened to Oscar Branning? Latest Storyline Update

After an eight‑year hiatus, Oscar Branning reappeared in Walford in 2025. He had been in a youth offender institution following his involvement with gangs and car theft, feeling abandoned by his parents. His sister Lauren Branning took him in, but his arrival immediately stirred tension.

Why Did Oscar Leave EastEnders Originally?

Oscar left Walford in 2017 with his mother Tanya after Max Branning’s departure. The character was simply written out as part of the Branning family’s exodus.

What Is the Latest Oscar Branning Storyline in 2025?

Once back, Oscar was quickly established as bisexual. His story has included a love triangle with twins Jasmine and Josh, as well as ongoing exploration of his guilt and complicated choices. The actor, Pierre Counihan‑Moullier, discussed these themes in interviews, noting Oscar’s struggle to reintegrate. More details can be found in the
Mirror’s coverage of the storyline and
Attitude’s feature on the bisexual plot.

Did Oscar Branning Return to EastEnders Permanently?

The BBC has not officially confirmed whether Oscar’s return is permanent. Currently, the character remains active in the show, but future episodes beyond the current arc are unannounced.

How Old Is Oscar Branning? Age, Height, and Character Background

As a fictional character born in late 2007, Oscar Branning is approximately 17–18 years old at the time of his 2025 return. The actor Pierre Counihan‑Moullier was born in 2000, making him about 25–26 in 2026.

How Tall Is Oscar Branning?

Neither the character’s height nor the actor’s height is officially listed in reliable sources. Estimates place Counihan‑Moullier around 5’9″ (175 cm), but this is not confirmed.

Who Are Oscar Branning’s Parents?

Oscar is the youngest child of Max Branning and Tanya Cross. His siblings include Lauren Beale, Abi Branning, Bradley Branning (half‑brother), and Annie Carter (half‑sister). His family history is well documented on the
EastEnders Fandom page.

Who Played Oscar Branning as a Child?

Several child actors portrayed Oscar between 2007 and 2017, including Charlie G. Hawkins. Pierre Counihan‑Moullier is the first actor to play the character as a young adult.

When Did Oscar Branning Return to EastEnders? A Timeline

1. 14 December 2007 – Oscar Branning introduced as a baby; played by several child actors.
2. 2010–2012 – Recurring appearances as a toddler/young child.
3. 2015 – Oscar appears in a storyline involving Max’s faked death.
4. 2017 – Oscar leaves Walford with Tanya after Max’s exit.
5. 2025 – Oscar returns as an adult, played by Pierre Counihan‑Moullier; begins youth offending and bisexual storylines.

What Is Confirmed and What Remains Uncertain About Oscar Branning?

What Is the Significance of Oscar Branning’s Return?

Oscar Branning, as the youngest child of the prominent Branning family, spent most of his early years as a background character. His 2025 return as a young adult allows the show to develop a legacy character with new dramatic conflicts. The casting of Pierre Counihan‑Moullier, an actor with prior experience, signals a commitment to bring depth to a recast role. The bisexual storyline and the themes of youth offending reflect contemporary issues and provide relatable drama for the audience. Official updates are available on the
BBC EastEnders programme page.

Where Can I Find Verified Information About Oscar Branning?

The following sources provide reliable, fact‑checked details about the character and actor:

• Wikipedia: Oscar Branning – character history and family tree.
• Wikipedia: Pierre Counihan‑Moullier – actor biography and career.
• EastEnders Fandom page – additional character trivia.
• The Mirror – coverage of the romance plot.
• Attitude – article on the bisexual storyline.
• BBC EastEnders Facebook video – behind‑the‑scenes of Oscar’s return.

What Is the Latest Update on Oscar Branning?

Oscar Branning is back in Walford, played by Pierre Counihan‑Moullier, with a storyline that explores youth offending, bisexuality, and family reconciliation. No long‑term commitment has been announced, but the character remains active. For more fictional character biographies, read the Severus Snape – Biography, Death, ‘Always’ & HBO article, or check out the Poker Face Cast Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oscar Branning