EastEnders Turns Up the Heat: Oscar Branning's Comedic Return Meets Avani's Shocking Teen Pregnancy Drama

EastEnders fans are buzzing with excitement as Oscar Branning makes a dramatic and surprisingly comedic return to Albert Square. Meanwhile, the soap takes another emotional turn as Avani Nandra-Hart discovers she is pregnant, triggering a tense new storyline.

Oscar Branning Returns in EastEnders

Oscar Branning, the son of Max and Tanya Branning, was originally played by child star Charlee Hall. It was also played by Charlee's brother, Neo. The character was last seen in the Square in 2021 and was played by Jake Wood.

Jake Wood left the BBC soap in 2021 to pursue other projects, which marked Oscar's last appearance. The role has now been recast, with rising star Pierre Moullier taking over.

In his return episode, Oscar reveals that he spent time in a youth detention centre. He confides in his sister Lauren that he was kicked out of their mother's house after stealing a car from a local figure known as Fat Mike.

The drama escalates when Oscar realises that Fat Mike is seeking revenge. In a panic, he switches the house numbers between his home and a neighbour's, which results in the wrong house being blown up.

Who is Pierre Moullier

Pierre Moullier brings fresh energy to the role of Oscar Branning. A graduate of The Young Vic, Moullier has previously appeared in productions including The Surplus and My England. He also featured in the BBC Three short Oi, Pussy as Aaron, and worked as a stunt performer in Netflix's Fate: The Winx Saga.

His appearance in EastEnders is his first major screen role, and fans are already praising the casting.

'Give a pay rise to whoever cast this kid who's more Max Branning than actual Max Branning. What a perfect casting, refreshing as hell, funny as f***, just brilliant. Looking forward to more Oscar. #EastEnders,' one fan posted on X.

Another viewer added, 'Oscar Branning came in and instantly outperformed every other teen on this show. #EastEnders'

Another EastEnders fan added: 'Oscar Branning came in and instantly outperformed every other teen on this show #eastenders.'

Avani's Teen Pregnancy Shocks Viewers

Elsewhere in the Square, tensions rise as Avani Nandra-Hart finds out she is pregnant. The news comes at a difficult time, with her parents emotionally unavailable and unable to support her.

She turns to Barney for help, and the pair sneak into Harry's Barn to take a pregnancy test. Her worst fear is confirmed. Although the baby's father has not been revealed, many viewers suspect it is Joel, a character who had been bullying her online.

'After the online bullying that Joel put her through, there's no way Avani wants to have his baby,' a source told Digital Spy.

The source added: 'She's been through so much recently. Dealing with a baby on top of her trauma is the last thing she needs.'

The storyline is expected to develop further in next week's episodes, with fans eager to see how Avani will cope and whether Joel will be held accountable.