EastEnders lines up shock 2027 exit for popular Branning

 Somebody could be leaving Albert Square.

EastEnders is reportedly lining up a shock exit for a member of the Branning family, with Pierre Counihan-Moullier set to depart the soap next year.

The actor made his debut on the BBC soap in July 2025, having taken over the role of Oscar Branning from Charlee Hall. But his stay in Walford looks to have lasted around 18 months, as The Sun is reporting that the actor has quit the role.

It has been reported that the character will depart next year, though the door is expected to be left open regarding a potential return. No storyline details have been revealed, with producers keeping their cards close to their chest.

Since Counihan-Moullier arrived in Walford, Oscar developed his relationship with family members Max and Lauren, while also being at the centre of a love triangle involving Jasmine Fisher and Josh Goodwin.

The reported developments come amid a flurry of cast exits on the BBC soap, with both Michelle Ryan and Kellie Bright confirmed to be leaving. Aaron Thiara, who plays Ravi Gulati, is also said to be departing, though that hasn't been officially confirmed.

Ryan, who portrays Zoe Slater, returned last year after an absence of two decades, but it was announced in June that she would soon be leaving. It was also reported that the character would be killed off, with filming for a funeral recently taking place.

Bright, meanwhile, announced that she had decided to leave the soap after 13 years in the role of Linda Carter. She shared that she had agreed to stay for a while longer as part of an "exciting storyline".