EastEnders viewers have been stunned after discovering the real age of the actor portraying Oscar Branning.

Oscar is the youngest son of Max Branning (Jake Wood) and Tanya Cross (Jo Joyner), born in 2007 during his father’s scandalous affair with daughter-in-law Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner).

His last appearance was in 2017 when he briefly visited Max on Father’s Day, before relocating away from Walford with Tanya following her separation from Max.

This week saw Oscar’s return to Albert Square, now portrayed by actor Pierre Moullier. The character made his comeback during Monday’s episode (July 14), reaching out to sister Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) after landing himself in hot water.

Oscar returned to the soap this week(Image: BBC)

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Oscar’s comeback was confirmed last month, with new executive producer Ben Wadey hinting that “there’s going to be plenty of drama in store this summer”, reports OK!.

EastEnders viewers ‘can’t believe’ Oscar Branning star’s real age as he returns to soap(Image: PA)

Meanwhile, Pierre described joining the soap as “pretty surreal” and warned that “the audience should be prepared for the unexpected as he’s a complex guy”.

Before his EastEnders stint, Pierre featured in Channel 4’s Cast Offs back in 2009, alongside a small part in Netflix’s Fate: The Winx Saga.

Fans have been left floored by the actor’s real age

However, it’s Pierre’s actual age that has sparked considerable discussion amongst fans. Whilst Oscar is meant to be 17 years old, actor Pierre is actually 24 or 25 years old.

On an EastEnders Facebook fan page, viewers expressed their amazement that Pierre is actually in his mid-twenties. “The new actor who plays Oscar Branning is 24 or 25! Wth,” exclaimed one viewer. Another added their disbelief: “No way is he 25.” A third was equally surprised, commenting: “What? ! I thought he was like 18!”.

Max is also set to return this year

Oscar isn’t the only member of the Branning family making a comeback to EastEnders. It was recently announced that his father Max will be returning to Albert Square.

Jake Wood, who portrays Max, shared his enthusiasm about returning to the show: “I’m over the moon to be coming home to Walford. Max has got lots of unresolved drama with many characters, so I’m sure he’ll be busy.”

He continued, expressing his anticipation for the character’s future: “I’m excited to see what he’s been up to, and what is next for the character, but if his last 15 years in the Square are anything to go by, I’m sure there will be plenty of chaos.”