Oscar Branning—long absent from Albert Square until his surprise return—has plunged straight back into danger as the next wave of EastEnders storylines takes a darker turn. Portrayed by newcomer Pierre Moullier, Oscar has arrived with more baggage than family glamour. Since his reappearance, the teenager has been under pressure from a violent criminal figure named Fat Mike, and as police close in and his misdeeds mount, rumors swirl that Oscar may soon make a desperate bid to flee Walford altogether.

From the outset, Oscar’s comeback brimmed with unease. His sister Lauren reluctantly let him stay, sensing he needed support—but she also detected signs he was hiding something. Oscar had confessed to time in a youth offenders’ centre and admitted to involvement in gang-related trouble. What he hadn’t revealed was just how deep that trouble ran.

Fat Mike, the dangerous criminal connected to Oscar’s past, resurfaced with terrifying intent. According to Digital Spy, Oscar “feels threatened as Mike is a serious guy who doesn’t seem to care about getting caught or the consequences” Digital Spy. The criminal’s presence shattered any illusion of sanctuary in Walford, pushing Oscar into a corner with few options left.

Oscar’s world spirals further when he learns that Mike is demanding £5,000 to spare his family. With no legitimate way to come up with the sum, Oscar resorts to desperate measures: robbing Patrick Trueman after spotting him with a winning £6,000 at the bookies Digital SpyWhat to Watch. He breaks into Patrick’s home, but panic overwhelms him when Patrick catches him—Oscar shoves the older man, knocking him unconscious. Chaos ensues, and Oscar flees the scene before Howie Danaes discovers his identity What to WatchDigital Spy.

Patrick is rushed to hospital, leaving Walford residents reeling—not least Lauren, who learns that Oscar is the likely culprit. As suspicions mount, the police begin investigating knock-on effects in Walford’s community. Denise and Kim are shocked to find Patrick injured, and editorial reports suggest that Oscar’s behavior has placed his new life in immediate jeopardy The SunWhat to Watch.

Meanwhile, energy from Fat Mike’s intimidation doesn’t let up. Oscar becomes increasingly paranoid and isolated. In another close call, he mistakes Peter Beale for an intruder during a midnight scare and lashes out violently, prompting Peter to order him to leave — a sign that Oscar’s presence may no longer be welcome, even in Lauren’s own home Digital Spy.

In conversations with press, Pierre Moullier hints at Oscar’s mindset: the character believes he can solve his turmoil himself. “He wants to take responsibility and thinks, ‘It’s my mess, I’ll fix it,’” Moullier explains. The actor notes that Oscar has a lifetime of smooth talking and escaping tight spots—but this time, the stakes are far higher Digital Spy.

Lauren tries to help her brother, urging him to accept help from Uncle Jack. But Oscar resists, believing that his association with law enforcement will make matters worse. He insists he must face his demons alone—a belief that only alienates him further from his support network Digital SpyDigital Spy.

As the drama unfolds, spoilers indicate Oscar may feel cornered enough to consider running away. With both criminal threats and police inquiries mounting, and Patrick hospitalized under mysterious circumstances tied to him, Oscar could decide his only escape is to flee Walford—at least temporarily. Reports suggest early signs he might do so hint he will go on the run in fear of retaliation and prosecution What to WatchWhat to Watch.

His potential departure doesn’t just signal personal flight—it threatens emotional ruptures across the Branning household. Lauren has advocated for second chances and forgiveness; Peter, caught in the crossfire, now regrets giving him shelter; and Jack stands ready to protect family but is frustrated by Oscar’s defiance.

As this pressure cooker brews, West End viewers brace themselves for scenes that lay bare Oscar’s vulnerability—and recklessness. What started as a seeming return journey home has devolved into a desperate struggle for survival. Whether Oscar actually runs or finds a way to face his demons in Walford, one thing is clear: his return has ignited more fireworks than family reunion.