In one of the most electrifying character introductions EastEnders has seen in years, Oscar Branning (played with cheeky magnetism by Pierre Moullier) has stormed onto the scene—and into viewers’ hearts—like a sexy tornado of chaos, charm, and controversy. The wayward son of Tanya Branning, and younger brother to Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa), made his dramatic reappearance after a stint in a young offenders’ institution for joyriding—but it’s not just his criminal record that’s making headlines. Within hours of stepping foot in Albert Square, Oscar drops bombshell after bombshell, culminating in a shockingly candid revelation about his sexuality—and a jaw-dropping flirtation with a very familiar face.

Oscar’s arrival is anything but subtle. Released from a three-month sentence, he lands at his sister Lauren’s doorstep, still smouldering from his most recent scandal. And the reason for Lauren’s hesitance to take him in? Let’s just say Oscar’s choice to turn on his dangerous crew landed Tanya’s house on the receiving end of a petrol bomb. That’s right—his so-called “associates” retaliated with fire and fury after he tipped off the police about their activities. Talk about burning bridges.

From there, Oscar wastes zero time stirring the pot.

At the café, he runs into none other than Ian and Peter Beale (played by EastEnders legends Adam Woodyatt and Thomas Law). It’s the first time they’ve seen him since childhood—but Oscar’s all grown up now, and clearly feeling himself. The second he locks eyes on Peter, viewers are treated to a spectacle of shameless flirting. He dubs him “Hot Pete” (yes, really), jokes about catching him in the shower, and cheekily blurts out “smash” the moment Peter enters the room. If subtlety were a person, Oscar would have it arrested.

And in a scene that’s already setting social media ablaze, Oscar is later found naked on the sofa, casually inviting Peter to join him. The sexual tension is real—and Twitter is melting.

Fans are loving the comic relief and unpredictable energy Oscar brings. One Metro reader wrote: “I think he’s going to bring trouble to Lauren’s door but he was pretty amusing – made a change from all the doom and gloom.” Another chimed in with, “Finally we had a bit of a giggle watching!” Viewers seem universally united in this: Oscar Branning is the injection of fun, fire, and fabulous chaos EastEnders has desperately needed.

But beneath all the charisma, jokes, and mischief, there’s a deeper conversation happening—one that unfolds quietly, but powerfully, between Oscar and his uncle Jack (Scott Maslen). After noticing Oscar shamelessly flirting with Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James), Jack can’t help but question him, prodding gently but directly: “I didn’t think she was your type… she’s a girl, isn’t she?”

Oscar doesn’t skip a beat. With characteristic bluntness, he replies, “Swings both ways, innit.”

And just like that, EastEnders confirms that Oscar Branning is proudly bisexual—marking a meaningful step in representation on the long-running soap. He goes on to explain that he’d had a girlfriend before his time in the youth offenders’ unit, but found himself more interested in her dad instead. It’s a line that perfectly encapsulates Oscar: bold, unapologetic, and layered with just enough bite to leave everyone speechless.

What’s even more powerful is the casual, matter-of-fact way the moment unfolds. There’s no dramatic music swell, no heavy-handed drama. Just a candid exchange that shows Oscar is comfortable with who he is—even if he’s still figuring everything else out. It’s real, it’s raw, and it’s resonating deeply with fans who’ve long craved more nuanced queer characters on British television.

Meanwhile, Lauren’s patience is already wearing thin. Her little brother’s antics—however entertaining to viewers—are clearly headed toward a full-blown disaster. Whether it’s inviting strangers into the house, hitting on her fiancé, or nearly getting them both evicted, Oscar isn’t exactly laying low. And while he claims to be reformed, it’s becoming painfully clear that he’s got a long way to go before he earns back anyone’s trust.

Still, there’s an undeniable energy he brings to every scene. His presence rattles the usual rhythms of Albert Square. Characters are off balance. Boundaries are blurred. And the stakes? They’re only getting higher.

Oscar Branning is here. He’s reckless, radiant, and totally unpredictable. Whether he’s seducing old family friends, blowing up social norms, or turning his back on dangerous former allies, one thing is certain: he’s not going anywhere quietly.

As the credits rolled on Tuesday’s episode, fans were left reeling—not just from the sexy shock factor, but from the layered complexity of a character who is more than just comic relief. Oscar is the storm after the silence. The twist you didn’t see coming. The spark that might just burn it all down—or light something new.

Whatever comes next, one thing’s for sure: Walford will never be the same again.