EastEnders fans stunned by real age of Oscar Branning actor as he returns after 8 years

by · RSVP Live

Get the latest RSVP Live breaking news on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info

Join us on WhatsApp

EastEnders fans have been left gobsmacked upon discovering the true age of the actor portraying Oscar Branning.

Oscar, the third offspring of Max Branning (Jake Wood) and Tanya Cross (Jo Joyner), was born in 2007 amidst his father's scandalous affair with daughter-in-law Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner).

The character made a fleeting appearance in 2017 to visit Max on Father's Day. Since then, he has resided away from Walford with Tanya following her split from Max.

However, this week saw Oscar make a return to Albert Square, now portrayed by actor Pierre Moullier. The character re-emerged in Monday's episode (July 14), reaching out to sister Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) after finding himself in a bit of a pickle.

Oscar returned to the soap this week(Image: PA)
BBC EastEnders star Frank Barrie dies aged 88 as tributes pour in for 'true gentleman'Frank Barrie, who played Edward Bishop in EastEnders, has died at the age of 88, his agent has confirmedCarly HaconShowbiz ReporterDan LaurieDeputy Editor of Screen Time, 10 Jul 2025

News of Oscar's return was announced last month, with new executive producer Ben Wadey hinting at "there's going to be plenty of drama in store this summer", reports OK!.

Pierre described joining the soap as "pretty surreal" and hinted that viewers should "the audience should be prepared for the unexpected as he's a complex guy".

Before EastEnders, Pierre featured in the Channel 4 series Cast Offs in 2009 and had a minor role in Netflix's Fate: The Winx Saga.

Fans have been left floored by the actor’s real age

However, it's his actual age that has sparked a flurry of chatter among fans. While Oscar is supposed to be 17 years old, Pierre is reportedly 24 or 25.

On an EastEnders Facebook fan page, viewers expressed their surprise that Pierre is actually in his mid-twenties.

EastEnders fans were shocked to learn the real age of the actor who plays Oscar Branning, with one person remarking, "The new actor who plays Oscar Branning is 24 or 25! Wth," in utter surprise. Another disbelieving fan chimed in, "No way is he 25," while a third fan added, "What? ! I thought he was like 18!".

Max is also set to return this year

Meanwhile, Oscar isn't the only Branning making a comeback to EastEnders, as it was revealed last week that his dad, Max Branning, will also be returning to Albert Square.

Upon reprising his role, actor Jake Wood expressed his excitement: "I'm over the moon to be coming home to Walford. Max has got lots of unresolved drama with many characters, so I'm sure he'll be busy."

Wood hinted at the chaos Max's return may bring, saying, "I'm excited to see what he's been up to, and what is next for the character, but if his last 15 years in the Square are anything to go by, I'm sure there will be plenty of chaos."

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One.