BBC/Composite: EastEnders Insider Share By Joel Harley Jul 18 2025 By Joel Harley Jul 18 2025 Where’s Tanya Branning and will she return to EastEnders? Where Oscar’s mum’s been as he arrives in Walford We're long overdue a Tanya return Features Jo Joyner Oscar Branning Tanya Branning Share By Joel Harley Jul 18 2025 By Joel Harley Jul 18 2025 This week’s return of Oscar Branning has had fans foaming at the mouth for the return of his mum, the iconic Tanya Branning. As it was revealed that Oscar’s been in a Young Offender’s Institute for the last few months, fans were left wondering where it had all gone wrong. When we last saw little Oscar (in 2017, to be exact), he was living with mum Tanya far away from Albert Square and her toxic ex-husband. That cute little lad has all grown up now though. And Oscar has developed into a rebellious, rambunctious teenager during his time away. Oscar confirmed his living situation this week, confirming to Jack and Lauren that his mum had kicked him out (after he inadvertently got their neighbour’s house fire-bombed!). He also revealed that he hasn’t seen his dad since Christmas 2022. Tanya apparently wants nothing to do with Oscar (Credit: BBC) What happened between Oscar and Tanya? As Oscar arrived in his sister’s care, many viewers were stunned to learn that Tanya had essentially abandoned her son. Would the Tanya we know really do such a thing? And, as Wednesday’s scenes unfolded, Lauren revealed that baby Jimmy is blind. Oscar’s shock served as further confirmation of his estrangement from Tanya, as she evidently hadn’t pass on the memo. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers “What was her plan? Oscar is 17 so had to go home with a relative. Tanya refused to pick him up. So what did she think was going to happen?” asked one fan on Reddit. “Does present day Tanya even like her kids? She didn’t tell Lauren her house was petrol bombed, didn’t tell Lauren that Oscar was in a youth detention centre, and didn’t tell Oscar that Jimmy was blind!” “Most likely she’s struggling to cope so buried her head in the sand about everything and never even thought to tell Lauren about it,” answered another. “I think (understandably) Abi’s death has ruined Tanya. It’s likely she just got to a point she didn’t care what happened to Oscar/where he went,” said a third. As Oscar shared on Monday, Tanya effectively kicked him out after his joy riding incident. This caused their home to almost get fire-bombed after he grassed up his mates, effectively leaving Lauren to pick up the pieces. But where is Tanya? Tanya’s been through a lot (Credit: BBC) Where’s Tanya Branning? Tanya moved to Exeter with Oscar and Lauren in 2013. This was so alcoholic Lauren could attend rehab. When Lauren returned, she did so alone, explaining that her mum had chosen to remain there. Tanya and Oscar returned intermittently over the years. In 2017, Oscar paid his dad a visit on Father’s Day – the last time the lad was seen in Walford before his 2025 return. Tanya, meanwhile, hasn’t been back since daughter Abi’s death in 2018. Following Abi’s death, Tanya was committed to a psychiatric hospital. She was out by 2022, but failed to return for Dot’s funeral as her mum, Cora, had recently injured a hip at the time. The Brannings are back…. now, how about Tanya too? (Credit: BBC) Will Tanya return to EastEnders? Neither the BBC nor actress Jo Joyner have confirmed plans for Tanya’s return. However, neither have ruled it out, with the soap leaving the door open for her comeback. Adding fuel to the fire, we also have the imminent return of her ex-husband, Max. With Jake Wood set to reprise the role after four years away, viewers are holding out for a full Branning family reuinion. In 2019, she teased to The Sun: “There is always scope as long as you have got family that are in the show but not for me at the moment.” So, not a no, then… Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns. Share Good to Know Share By Joel Harley Jul 18 2025 By Joel Harley Jul 18 2025
